A vital role of the Chair for AECD is to facilitate Aboriginal student involvement and participation in AECD research activities. The Chair will provide mentorship to students to increase research experience and build leadership capacity. As well, the students will provide their own knowledge and experience to inform the AECD work.
Students can also check the Campus Career Centre for information about job postings.
Mentorship
Since the Chair was established, 11 students that have been mentored; two were Aboriginal and two International. They included seven Undergraduates, three Graduates and one Doctorate student.
Undergraduate Students
The Chair employs students some of whom are supported through Work Opportunity funds and others supported by specific projects. Students have engaged in work such as:
- Working on an Environmental Scan of AECD organizations, services and post-secondary training in the Central Island Region, BC and beyond.
- Providing research skills to review cultural contributions made by Cowichan Elders to the (Cowichan Campus) Child and Youth Care program. This will support the eventual archiving of the cultural teachings shared in the classroom.
- Exploring research conducted related to the transitions of young children and their families from Early Childhood programs to Kindergarten
- Exploring available data on the Aboriginal Early Childhood Development and Aboriginal families.
Graduate Students
Full-time students currently enrolled at VIU who are interested in working as research assistants with the AECD chair should email Danielle.Alphonse@viu.ca or phone 250.753.3245 Ext. 2528.
Students can learn more about the requirements to become an AECD Research Assistant.