Ages 3–5 · Three sites across Edmonton
Free early learning, rooted in culture
No cost to your family — ever. Your child learns through play, in their own culture and language, and arrives at school ready.
- No cost, ever
- Free bussing
- Snacks & a warm lunch
- No Status Card needed
Start your application Learn about us
Or just call us — 780-640-9799 Mon–Fri, 8:15 am–4:15 pm
Intakes close December 1st each school term — applications after that date go to the next term.
Learning Through Play
Our Head Start program strengthens and prepares Aboriginal children ages 3–5 with the skills, confidence and cultural foundation they need to succeed in school and in life.
About Our Program
Our Head Start program provides Aboriginal children ages 3–5 with a positive, fun and respectful learning environment where they can grow, learn and thrive. We focus on play-based learning that builds school-readiness skills while celebrating culture, language and community.
- School readiness skills
- Aboriginal culture and identity
- Language and literacy development
- Strong family and community connections
Our Mission
The Aboriginal Head Start Programs will strengthen and prepare Aboriginal children with the cultural knowledge and emergent literacy skills needed to excel in school and life. This will take place with the support, guidance and active participation of parents and Elders. These key players will ensure that programming provides the child with positive experiences through a culturally enriched curriculum.
Our Vision
To provide an environment where the Aboriginal pre-school child has the opportunity to learn and practice their culture as part of the curriculum. Head Start provides each child exposure to the emergent literacy skills that prepare them to enter school on an equal basis with all other children. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in the education of their child through a variety of program involvement opportunities.
Why choose Aboriginal Head Start?
Everything your family needs for a joyful, confident start
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No cost to your family
Our program is completely free, and we welcome children from all over the city of Edmonton.
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Free bussing
Free bussing is provided to families living within site-specific boundaries.
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Snacks & a warm lunch
Two snacks and a warm lunch are provided at each site, every day.
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No Status Card needed
Families simply identify as having Aboriginal ancestry — no Status Card is required to enroll.
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Specialized services
Access to Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioural Supports and more.
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Activities & family support
Gymnastics, yoga, swimming and other extracurriculars — plus Parent Education Groups and In-Home Family Support.
…and so much more.
Tansi! Welcome
A message from our Executive Director
Tansi! Welcome to our Aboriginal Head Start program — a place where your child will be welcomed, encouraged to participate, and have an amazing time in the most fabulous and fun learning environment. The children will laugh, love and learn through play, while meeting many new friends and diving into activities and experiences that are sure to make your child’s time in our program a memorable one.
We are honoured you have chosen our Aboriginal Head Start program as your child’s first step in their educational journey, and we look forward to working together to explore the dynamic needs of each and every child and family who enter through our program doors. We can’t wait to meet you all.
Welcome — Tawâw!! Hiy Hiy
Head Start site locations
Three sites across Edmonton
Free bussing is provided to families living within site-specific boundaries.
- September – June
- Program operates
- Kihew 🦅 (Eagle) Class
- Tuesday / Thursday
- Muskwa 🐻 (Bear) Class
- Wednesday / Friday
- 9:00 am – 3:05 pm
- Class times
Ready to give your child a bright start?
Enrollment is completely free. Reach out to begin your child’s application today.