Consider...Fatima and Ximena

Fatima and Ximena, both aged 4, are from the same small town in rural Manitoba. A new school was recently built in their community – and since the community had been advocating for a nursery school program, an age-appropriate space for young children was an important part of the planning process and design of the new school. Community members are excited about the nursery school program that is now available for four-year-olds in their town.

Fatima and Ximena have both been attending the program for the past three months. Fatima eagerly participates in the activities and looks forward to playing with the other children. She loves exploring in the art area, singing at group times, and pretending in the dramatic play area. Ximena doesn’t seem to be enjoying her time at the nursery school quite as much. She has a mild hearing deficit that has not been addressed and therefore misses much of what the Early Childhood Educators and children say. She spends most of the time wandering around or playing by herself and cries every morning when her dad drops her off. Ximena was referred to a specialist in Winnipeg, a four-hour drive from her family’s home.