On August 15, the FNQLHSSC went to Sept-Îles to visit the construction site of the new Nutshimit childcare centre.

Suzanne Roy (Minister of Families) and Kateri Champagne Jourdain (Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region) were also there to see the progress of the project.

Inauguration in January  
 
The Nutshimit childcare centre is located on the Cégep de Sept-Îles campus and will offer 29 spaces to young First Nations children. These reserved places will be prioritized for the following people: 
 
– First Nations students attending the Cégep de Sept-Îles 
– Siblings 
– Students from First Nations communities 

The Nutshimit childcare centre will therefore encourage student parents to continue their studies or go back to school, while taking advantage of their childcare offer.

During the visit, two elements caught our attention: the first is the huge common room, with its large windows letting in abundant natural light. The second element is the arrangement of the stairs, which are designed for children, thanks to their very wide steps. A slide will also be installed next to the stairs, so that children can have fun sliding to the bottom of the steps!

In terms of labour and job creation, new positions for educators and workers will be offered to the population. The Nutshimit childcare centre plans to open its doors in January (approximate date).

Interrelation between the Cégep de Sept-Îles drop-in day care centre and the early childhood education techniques program 

If you are going to the Cégep de Sept-Îles, why not visit the drop-in day care centre there? A presentation on the early childhood education techniques program was offered. As part of this program, students can apply the teachings received by working for the drop-in day care centre. Future educators will be able to immerse themselves in the realities and daily life of a childcare service. They will also have the opportunity to work during the end-of-day time slot to complement the work schedules of the educators. Drop-in day care spaces are reserved for Cégep de Sept-Îles students, and particularly for First Nations students.

The drop-in day care centre has several goals:

• Provide for the needs of parents while helping them to continue their studies.
• Encourage parents in their academic success and make it possible for them to focus on their studies, while providing them with a day care space.
• Give students the opportunity to analyze and study the children during their class hours, thanks to a window that separates the day care centre from the classroom of future students in the early childhood education techniques program. This is a great way to facilitate learning!

A dispensary will open its doors 

A dispensary located in the Cégep de Sept-Îles will serve the population, including First Nations, and will provide nursing care as well as social and physiotherapy services. 

Transitional apartments under construction

Transitional apartments are under construction on the Cégep campus, very close to the new Nutshimit childcare centre. The apartments, ranging from studio to multi-bedroom apartments, will be fully furnished, except for mattresses and bedding. This is a transition service that will foster independence as well as a successful integration into adult life. The official inauguration is scheduled for January.