Eni–gikendaasoyang
"Moving Towards Knowledge Together"
Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Language Revitalization
125 Bohannon Hall, 1207 Ordean Court, Duluth, MN 55812
Email: indianed@d.umn.edu
Maawanji'idiwag
(they come together)
Unified Early Childhood
Head Start Cohort One
UMD´s Unified Early Childhood program was delivered to Head Start and Early Head Start teachers in surrounding communities beginning in summer 2005. The curriculum led to a Bachelor of Science degree and recommendation for two licensures: early childhood, birth-grade 3 early childhood special education. The program was designed for practicing head start and early head start teachers who had associate degrees completed or in progress at community colleges.
Courses were delivered using a combination of face-to-face meetings and on-line instruction. Along with the state approved curriculum, there was a focus on native language immersion to strengthen tribal goals of indigenous language survival and revitalization targeting young children. An underlying objective was to bring a sense of cultural competence to all participants in the program. Head Start Center Directors were partners in providing appropriate practicum experiences for the teachers in the program.
The program began June 2005 with foundations and technology courses. In addition to course content, the first term of coursework focused on development of the learning community. The curriculum is outlined below. Courses were staffed with a combination of UMD regular faculty, and adjunct faculty who helped bring the native influence to the cohort.
Students graduated in May 2008 after completing the following curriculum:
- Fall 2005 Pre-block courses
- Spring 2006 Block I courses - Infant/Toddler Focus
- Summer 2006 Language immersion opportunities
- Fall 2006 Block II courses - Special Education Focus
- Spring 2007 Block III courses - Early Primary Focus
- Summer 2007 Language immersion opportunities
- Fall 2007 Early Childhood Student Teaching
- Spring 2008 Special Education Student Teaching and Capstone Courses
An advisory board consisting of Head Start Directors, the cohort director and associate director, and other selected UMD faculty and staff, provided direction as the curriculum unfolded. The advisory board provided input on the needs of the Centers and the teachers that ultimately assisted with retention to graduation.