Abecedarian Program
The Abecedarian approach is an evidence-based early childhood intervention that is proven to improve developmental and learning outcomes for children in high-risk communities. Emphasizing language as the core of early learning, the approach believes that strong language skills allow for greater cognitive, social and emotional development in children. The curriculum of the Abecedarian approach is rooted in a strong set of teaching and learning strategies implemented through intentional adult-child interactions.
The Abecedarian approach was first piloted in the Lord Selkirk Park Child Care Centre in 2011/12, and has successfully demonstrated improved outcomes for children.
What are the Expected Outcomes?
The overarching goal of the program is to level the playing field for children in terms of physical, social, cognitive and emotional health and well-being. The projected outcomes of the program are:
- Improved developmental outcomes for children with regards to literacy and verbal language, physical, cognitive & social emotional skills leading to increase in school readiness;
- Increase in inclusive practices in the child care facility;
- Improved parent-child attachment and family well-being through positive parenting practices and family support.
Expression of Interest - Abecedarian Model Expansion
In response to successful implementation of the Abecedarian approach in the Lord Selkirk Park Child Care Centre and as part of Manitoba’s commitment to increasing diversity, inclusivity and quality of care, the department is seeking four additional child care centres for the expansion of the Abecedarian model.
As part of the expansion, facilities will provide full-day, year-round, centre-based programming that incorporates the four main components of the Abecedarian approach – Learning Games©, Language Priority, Enriched Caregiving, and Conversational Reading.
Funding will support operational and programming costs needed to implement the approach using a tiered approach which is as follows: up to $362K for 50 spaces or less; up to $742K for 51-100 spaces; up to $1,106K for more than 101 spaces. based on the number of licensed spaces, an approved budget, and available financial resources.
Selected child care facilities will partner with Red River College Polytechnic to have an assigned faculty member provide ongoing professional support and mentorship in the areas of programming, training, and direct instruction.
The Early Learning and Child Care Division invites licensed non-profit child care centres in higher needs communities (e.g. low-income, Indigenous, newcomer) and sites in rural, remote and northern communities to participate in the Abecedarian model expansion by submitting an Expression of Interest to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning.
For more information about participation and eligibility, download the Abecedarian Model Expansion Expression of Interest (PDF)
Submit an Abecedarian Model Expansion - Expression of Interest by March 1, 2023 to:
Abecedarian Model Expansion
Attn: Diversity and Inclusion Unit
Early Learning and Child Care Division
Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning
210 - 114 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB Canada R3C 4V4
Email: ELCC-ISP@gov.mb.ca
