Early Learning Program A Testament To Cooperation
November 27, 2018On November 23, 2018, the “Children Communicating, Connecting, and in Community” early learning program was officially launched at the St. Therese Lisieux Catholic School in Saskatoon.
Designed for children who are deaf and hard of hearing and children connected to the deaf and hard of hearing community, the program can accommodate up to 16 students in both Saskatoon and Regina. It provides access to early educational intervention for children who are deaf and hard of hearing in order to help reduce barriers when communicating within families, with other children, and with other people in their community.
In Saskatoon, the program is operated by Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. In Regina, it is operated by the Regina Public School Division.
This early learning program is a result of the collaborative work between the Ministry of Education and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission’s D/deaf and Hard of Hearing systemic advocacy committee. The committee was established in response to the Commission’s public consultation report – “Access and Equality for Deaf, deaf, and Hard of Hearing People: A Report to Stakeholders” – which was published in 2016.
The report raised finding actionable ways to create equity in the education systems in order to achieve equivalent and comparable service for Deaf, deaf, and hard of hearing people as a key issue to be addressed.
“This is an inclusive program that will help more children in this province achieve their full potential,” said David Arnot, Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. “It is also a testament to the power of cooperation and the importance of systemic advocacy. The Ministry of Education, together with the program operators, concerned parents, and all other stakeholders on the committee have worked to find a solution that helps make our province a better, more equitable place.”
Applications for the program can be obtained directly from: