FUTURE GENERATIONS NEED YOU NOW
More staff needed at MLEE
By VIVIAN LaMOORE, INAAJIMOWIN EDITOR
The COVID-19 pandemic had limited the number of students allowed in Mille Lacs Early Education programs for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. When restrictions started to lift, some families were still hesitant to bring their children back. Now that all of the restrictions have been lifted, there are spots available for more children. But it is sort of a conundrum. MLEE also needs more staff in order to have more children enrolled.
It has been said that children are the most important assets of any community because they are the future of the community. And Education of the children is the most important position of honor. Wilma Mankiller said, “I don't think anybody anywhere can talk about the future of their people or of an organization without talking about education. Whoever controls the education of our children controls our future.”
There are currently several teaching positions open in District I and III. MLEE is working to build staff. The more staff there is available, the more children can be brought in also. “We need big people to be able to bring in more little people,” Saboo said. “We need people to come forward, come to work and take care of the babies. Help us to raise the next generation,” Saboo said.
Exciting changes are happening within the MLEE. District II is fully staffed and construction is nearly complete on the new addition. Details on the grand opening will be forthcoming as the opening is still to be determined.
District III is in the beginning stages of building an Early Head Start Building for ages 0-3 years old with construction to begin in 2024. But even before the tables and chairs are delivered, Early Head Start can begin in-home services for District III families.
In-home Early Head Start includes having a teacher meet with the child and family in the home and the provide educational services following a curriculum and work with parent/ caregiver in a structured play situation, screenings, diapers, wipes, snacks, and arrange times for children to socialize with other in-home participants.
“If we can bring on staff, we can provide in-home services to children and families,” Saboo said. “The education and socialization makes a big impact on the children. And the diapers and wipes provided for the time the children would be in school, is a huge savings for families,” Saboo said.
The goal is for the in-home Early Head Start participants to transition to the new building once it is complete.
MLEE is also looking for parents, caregivers, and community members to be a part of the Policy Council. “They are who drives our program and approve everything we do from budgets, grants, child care licenses, and more,” Saboo said.
Currently have five on the council and ideally, Saboo would like to see eight to 10 individuals.
MLEE currently provides educational services for Early Head Start for ages 0-3, Head Start for ages 3-5, and Wraparound child care 7:30 to 8 a.m. and after school 4 to 5:15 p.m. to families on a limited basis.
If you would like more information on positions available within MLEE or with enrollment questions, please contact Nancy Saboo, Mille Lacs Early Education Director, at 320-532- 7590 or email Nancy.Saboo@millelacsband.com