News Release
November 20, 2006
Learning - 833
KIDSFIRST ASSISTS FAMILIES IN YORKTON
The Sunrise Health Region received over $1 million this year to manage the KidsFirst program in Yorkton. The funding is part of $13.2 million in KidsFirst services to support healthy growth and development for children from prenatal to age five and their families in the North and eight other Saskatchewan communities. "Our government is committed to providing KidsFirst support and services to families in Yorkton," Deputy Premier and Yorkton MLA Clay Serby said on behalf of Learning Minister Deb Higgins. "Our vision remains clear - that Saskatchewan children have the best opportunity for a healthy start in life. Providing support to these vulnerable families helps improve their lives and build a better future right here in Saskatchewan." In Yorkton the following programs have received KidsFirst funding: Yorkton Regional High School Infant Care Centre; Kid's Zone Early Learning and Child Care; Dr. Brass Daycare Centre; Parkland Early Childhood Intervention Program; First Steps Aboriginal Head Start and the Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours. "We've been really happy with our relationship with Yorkton KidsFirst," KidsZone Child Care Centre Director Brenda Wizniak said. "The home visitors are awesome and we enjoy it when they come to visit. They make families comfortable by bringing the family to the centre for the first visit, to introduce everyone. Then we sit down and talk about what the family wants for their child and also see if the child has any special needs. "We also appreciate the partnership we've developed with KidsFirst. We all work as a team together, to share resources and ideas. There's been lots of opportunities to attend a workshop or event that they are hosting and vice versa. It's been really positive." Through KidsFirst, prenatal outreach programs are available to support pregnant women. The universal birth questionnaire for newborns helps to determine the type of supports all families of newborns may require. KidsFirst provides a home visiting program that promotes healthy families and the healthy development of children. Enhanced early learning and child care opportunities, access to community-based support including literacy, education and skills training, parenting and nutrition are also offered through KidsFirst. Dedicated mental health and addiction treatment services are also available. KidsFirst Management Committees are comprised of representatives from human service provider agencies at the provincial, federal and local levels, including First Nation and Métis agencies. Local partnerships include such agencies as regional community resources, health regions, school divisions, food banks, police services, municipal governments, fire departments, women's shelters, transition houses, tribal councils and other community service organizations. Yorkton, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Nipawin, Moose Jaw, Meadow Lake, North Battleford, Regina and the North are all home to KidsFirst services. The Government of Saskatchewan is recognizing the valuable accomplishments of Saskatchewan's KidsFirst program today in celebration of National Child Day.-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: 306-787-5609 Email: jacquie.mclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-535-2261 |