The MNO Early Learning and Child Care program has virtual and in-person experiences for Métis families. The MNO Métis Early Learning Camps (virtual and in-person) and other social events are an opportunity for families and their children to participate in handson, play-based activities while learning about Métis culture and way-of-life. To learn more about our camps and virtual family socials Click Here
The Métis Early Learning Babysitter’s Club
The Métis Early Learning Babysitter’s Club welcomes Métis youth in grades 7-9, providing them with essential skills and foundational knowledge for quality home-based child care. Led by Registered Early Childhood Educators, youth participants will learn about child development, cultural activities, and safe online advertising. Completion of the program leads to certifications as certified babysitters, with participants receiving a certificate and Babysitter’s Club Kit.
The program blends guided virtual sessions with self-directed online learning modules. Registered participants will attend multiple virtual sessions to meet their peers, ask questions, and be engaged in meaningful learning discussions; as well as complete online modules designed to educate and support participants. It also requires completion of a local babysitter’s course and follow up First Aid and CPR session, with costs covered by MNO. Applications include a 200-300 word Letter of Interest to be considered for the program. First intake begins in June, with a second later in the year. Learn more at this link.
Annual Early Learning Christmas Gift Program
The Métis Nation of Ontario’s Early Learning and Child Care team developed the Annual Early Learning Christmas Gift Program in hopes that it would bring extra cheer to Métis early learners and their families during the holiday season. Through this program, successful applicants receive one developmentally appropriate gift for each child aged 0 to 12 years and one family gift per family designed around the theme for the program that year. For more information about our annual Christmas gift program, please click below.
Annual Early Learning Family Kits
The Métis Nation of Ontario’s Early Learning and Child Care team develops an annual kit for Métis families with children aged 0 to 12 years. The annual family kit is intentionally designed with a specific theme in mind providing developmentally appropriate activities for children to engage with and explore. For more information about our annual family kit, please click below.
Annual Back to School Kit
Heading back to school is an exciting time for children and families! With this in mind, the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Early Learning and Child Care team develops an annual back to school kit. The back to school kit is for Métis child in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. Each kit includes essential school items that differ from year-to-year. For more information about our Back to School Kit, please click below.
Métis Baby Bundle
The Baby Bundle Kit is a 100% FREE resource for any Métis parents or guardians who are expecting or have an infant(s) 8 months or younger. The Baby Bundle Kit includes an assortment of products for infants(s) that will be sent to families. The MNO Early Learning and Childcare Program has secured funds to cover the products and shipping fees to offer this resource for Métis Families.
Métis Early Learning Virtual Programming
This year, the MNO is pleased to offer six (6) Métis Early Learning Virtual Programs, which are online events for Métis children between the ages of zero (0) and twelve (12) years and their families. Two (2) socials will be geared towards children between the ages of zero (0) to four (4), and two (2) socials will be geared towards children between the ages of zero (0) to twelve (12). Two (2) virtual camps will be geared toward children between the ages of four (4) and twelve (12). The Métis Early Learning Virtual Programs will focus on different themes as the children engage in hands-on, play-based, cultural activities in a safe and enriching virtual environment. Métis Early Learning Family Socials take place on Saturday mornings throughout the year from 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time). Virtual Sessions will take place in the Spring and Fall. To see the schedule for this year’s Métis Early Learning Virtual Programs click here.
In Person Camps
The Métis Nation of Ontario’s Early Learning Child Care Team is excited to offer In-Person Camps to our Métis families at the Canadian Ecology Centre in Mattawa, ON. The Camps are designed to provide Métis early learners between the ages of three and twelve, their siblings, parents/legal guardians, and grandparent(s) with an opportunity to learn more about Métis culture and way of life on the land from an early learning perspective.
During in-person camps, Métis families engage in activities that demonstrate respect for the land, teach early learners about their Métis culture and way of life, and connect with other Métis families from across Ontario. Caregivers will also have the opportunity to learn more about the programs and services offered through the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Early Learning Child Care program. For more about the upcoming Early Learning Fall Camp click here.
2024 – 2025 In-Person Camps Schedule
ELCC Fall Camp at the Mattawa Ecology Centre
September 26 – 29, 2024
Registration Period: July 8 – 12, 2024
ELCC Winter Camp at the Mattawa Ecology Centre
January 30 – February 2, 2025
Registration Period: October 21 – 25, 2024