"We took some ideas from the course and brought it into the daycare.

"We learned how to set up daily programs and to plan for the week," said manager Sandy Tagoona.

Of the eight students who attended the 10-week course in Baker Lake, four were employees of the daycare.

This was the first time the course was held in the Kivalliq region. Designed by the College St-Felicien in Quebec, the program is done in three phases.

All eight of the students in Baker Lake have graduated from the first phase. If they complete the next two phases, they will receive a diploma from College St-Felicien.

Tagoona's favourite part of the course was the practicum. Not only could she apply some of the things she learned immediately at the daycare, but she also got to spend some time at the Rachel Arngnammaktiq school with children in Kindergarten and Grade one.

"We got to experience working with different kids and their age group," said Tagoona.

She's been working with kids for as long as she can remember.

She started by working in at a group home and has been at the daycare since 2000.

In December, Tagoona was asked to manage the centre's staff and the children.

"It was hard at first but I've managed so far. This course really helped me get organized," said Tagoona.

Martine St-Louis, the course's instructor from Iqaluit, said the section of the course completed by students in Baker Lake focused on early childhood development, integrating culture into routine and first aid measures.

She said the students really took it seriously.

"They were all really good with kids but they were just missing the part of how to stimulate children to learn through activities," said St-Louis.

The graduation ceremony took place Nov. 8 at Baker Lake's Iglu Hotel. Those who received certificates include Dorothy Iqqaat, Georgina Kamimmalik, Jeannie Tapatai, Jolene Itkilik, Lucy Angoyuaq, Mary Oklaga, Sarah Patsauq and Sandy Tagoona.

Funding for the course was provided by Kivalliq Partners. St-Louis said they will decide whether or not to fund the second phase of the course early in the new fiscal year.