Request for Proposals: 
Report on Early Learning in First Nation Children 
Best Start Resource Centre

Deadline for Proposals: July 10, 2009, 5:00 p.m. EST

The Best Start Resource Centre is seeking a researcher/writer to research and write a report about supporting early learning in First Nation children.

Purpose: This report will be developed for a range of service providers who work with First Nation parents, caregivers or children. The report will provide relevant research and practical, culturally relevant strategies in supporting early learning in First Nation children. It will be developed and written in a manner that is strength-based and respectful of cultural values and beliefs. This project will be guided by an advisory group of experts and key stakeholders in First Nation health. The report will be produced in English. The main content of the report will be approximately 20,000 words in length.

The text for this report will be completed by January 31, 2010. The report will be available in print format, as well as through the Best Start Resource Centre website. It will be promoted through listservs and e-bulletins. 

Preliminary content areas:
*	Summary of current information on early learning in First Nation children aged 0-6 in Ontario
*	Cultural beliefs and teachings about early learning in First Nation children aged 0-6 in Ontario
*	Effective strategies/approaches for supporting early learning in First Nation children aged 0-6 in Ontario, including information from the literature and key informant interviews
*	Other sources of information on early learning in First Nation children aged 0-6 in Ontario

Audience: Service providers who work with First Nation parents, caregivers or children aged 0-6, and have a role in supporting early learning. Some examples include staff in public health, in-home support services, Friendship Centres, Early Years programs, Community Action Program for Children, early childhood education, infant development programs, etc.

Approach:
Focusing on early learning in First Nation children aged 0-6 in Ontario, the successful applicant will:
*	Work with Best Start Resource Centre and the Advisory group to further define the approach and the content for the report. Best Start Resource Centre staff will bring together the advisory group for this project, with input from the consultant.
*	Gather information about the status of early learning in First Nation children aged 0-6 in Ontario
*	Complete a literature review on effective strategies in supporting early learning in First Nation children aged 0-6
*	Set up and complete a minimum of 20 key informant interviews (including topic experts, experienced front line workers, Elders), concerning effective practices and approaches in supporting early learning in First Nation children aged 0-6
*	Synthesize evidence from the literature and key informant interviews, focusing mainly on effective strategies for supporting early learning in First Nation children aged 0-6 in Ontario
*	Draft a report, and update the text based on input from Best Start Resource Centre and the Advisory group


Best Start Resource Centre has $10,000 available for this contract.

The successful applicant will demonstrate strong research and writing skills. Applicant will have demonstrated experience, sensitivity and skills in developing resources related to First Nation health and child development. 

Interested groups/individuals are requested to submit a brief proposal. The proposal should demonstrate the applicant's knowledge, skills and experience to successfully fulfill this contract; identify approach that the applicant will take in researching and drafting the report; and fee. All proposals will be held in confidence.

Completion date: January 31, 2010
Deadline for Applications: July 10, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. (EST)

Submit proposal by email, fax or mail to:

Best Start Resource Centre
c/o Health Nexus
180 Dundas Street West, Suite 1900
Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8
Attention: Early Learning in First Nation Children
Fax: (416) 408-2122
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We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Best Start Resource Centre is a key program of Health Nexus and is funded by the Government of Ontario.	
  	







Wendy Burgoyne
Health Promotion Consultant
Best Start Resource Centre
Health Nexus / Nexus Santé
Tel: 1-800-397-9567 x2279
Email: [log in to unmask]

Formerly Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse/Anciennement Le Centre Ontarien d'information en prévention





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