Fort Simpson (Oct 31/03) - Certified child care workers in the Deh Cho will soon increase in number and in knowledge.

Thirteen students are enrolled in an Early Childhood Education program. They must pass all 10 modules -- each a week's worth of lessons -- and complete a practicum to earn their certificate.

The program, offered through Aurora College and the Deh Cho First Nations over several months, will teach them about health, safety, nutrition and child growth and development.

The first module focused on improving children's self-esteem as well as their own.

Leander Isaiah, like many others in the room, didn't like the idea of public speaking, but making a presentation was part of the program and a key to bolstering his confidence.

"Oh man I was nervous," he admitted afterwards. "But now I'm starting to get used to it. Now it's not a big deal. It's not so bad."

Isaiah, an employee at Kids' Corner Daycare in Fort Simpson, said the lessons made an immediate impact in his life.

"I used to think negatively but now I'm thinking positive.

"Things are going excellent for me," he said.

Christie McArthur, who has worked at the Hay River Reserve daycare for two years, said the instruction has already helped her better understand how to communicate with children.

"We could say the wrong thing to them and hurt their self-esteem without knowing it.

"This course helped me realize that," she explained.

Mary Ella Squirrel can't work in a daycare in her home town because Fort Providence no longer has such a facility.

She is raising her nine-year-old son, Sydney, and she would like to work with children at some point in her life, she said.

"I think we need (a daycare in Fort Providence) because people are having a hard time finding babysitters, reliable ones, while they work," Squirrel said.