YELLOWKNIFE (April 12, 2016) – After comprehensive research, a pilot phase and content review, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) today officially launched the innovative early childhood development strategy’s iPad Mini Initiative.
Through the Right from the Start: A Framework and Action Plan for Early Childhood Development in the Northwest Territories, the Departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment have been working to meet the commitments outlined in the Framework that include providing innovative outreach programs and services for families and children, and the use of various forms of technology to reach people with prevention tools and information, updates on available programming for parents and children, and health and education messages.
The iPad Mini Initiative emerged from extensive research and engagements with Elders, community and education leaders, parents, families, and early childhood consultants. Both the research and the feedback from engagements identified a critical need to provide credible information to new parents and caregivers to help them navigate the first few months of their child’s life.
Quotes
“I am very pleased to see this project launch today, with our partner, Chevron Canada. Through all of the research, engagements and feedback, we knew this initiative would be a helpful and accessible tool in the hands of new parents and caregivers, especially those in smaller communities without consistent access to early childhood programming. With Chevron Canada’s generous support of this vision, we have, to date, put nearly 300 iPads with valuable parenting information in the hands of new parents across the Northwest Territories. This contributes to and supports the priorities of the 18th Assembly through supporting quality early childhood development.”
- Alfred Moses, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
“The NWT iPad Mini for New Parents and Primary Caregivers Initiative supports key social investment themes for Chevron Canada – aboriginal health and education. This is an innovative partnership with the potential to make a meaningful difference in the health of the children in the NWT.”
- Mr. Rod Maier, Vice President, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Canada
Quick Facts
- The iPad Mini is a tool for parents with information and tips to help them raise their child.
- All information provided on the iPad Minis has been recommended through extensive research and by Elders, community and education leaders, parents, families, and early childhood consultants.
- The pilot phase of the iPad mini initiative occurred between April and August 2015 with recommendations from participants incorporated into the current version of the iPad.
- All new parents who apply and have a child 0-6 months of age will receive an iPad in less than 3 weeks from date of application.
- Chevron Canada provided funding for a project manager as well as the first 500 iPad Minis for distribution to new parents and primary caregivers throughout the NWT.
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