Looking Through the Lens of Newcomer Families in Nova Scotia

Event Details

On October 23rd, 2021, newcomer families and early childhood educators shared their experiences accessing programs and services for their childrenAlt= a shoelace sculpture at the Emera Oval in Halifax Nova Scotia that is shaped like a dome. Under and around the sculpture are tables with three images sitting up on them. There are a few people standing amongst the tables through photos at an outdoor photo exhibit.

Project Background

Both newcomer families and early childhood educators participated in this research project.

The purpose of this research was to learn about the unique experiences of newcomer families in Nova Scotia using photographs. Families and educators shared how they navigated change and transition, their perspectives on the programs and services available, and the barriers they face. The project took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. For newcomer families, the pandemic led to further feelings of isolation and exclusion.

A photovoice methodology was chosen because the images provided a universal language for participants to share their perspectives. It is hoped that the results will support changes to policy and programs to support greater inclusion and address inequities among newcomer families in Nova Scotia.

Alt= on the left of the image is a table with three photos sitting up on them. To the right of the table are three people standing and looking toward the camera. There is an adult and two children.The project was led by Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac, Tier II Canada Research Chair in Early Childhood: Diversity and Transitions at the Early Childhood Collaborative Research Centre, Mount Saint Vincent University, in partnership with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS). This project was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

View our infographics

Looking Through the Lens of Newcomer Families [English] [Arabic]

Looking Through the Lens of Newcomer Families, from early childhood educators’ perspectives [English] [Arabic]

Poster Presentation

  • Project Coordinator, Nahal Fakhari, presents a poster with the results from the Looking Through the Lens of Newcomer Families for the Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research Virtual Conference.

Questions?

Email: crcearlychildhood@msvu.ca

Phone: (902) 430-3096

 

Media Reports

Research Team Members

Jessie-Lee McIsaac, Principal Investigator, Mount Saint Vincent University

Nahal Fakhari, Research Coordinator, Mount Saint Vincent University

Laken Crowell, Communications Assistant, Mount Saint Vincent University

Marlene Ramos, Research Projects Manager, Mount Saint Vincent University

Beth Kelly, Collaborator, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Tayitu Teffera, Collaborator, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia

Gina Moynan, Collaborator, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia

Becky Spencer, Co-Investigator, Dalhousie University

Christine McLean, Co-Investigator, Mount Saint Vincent University

Susan Brigham, Co-Investigator, Mount Saint Vincent University

Sarah Reddington, Co-Investigator, Mount Saint Vincent University

Mary Jane Harkins, Co-Investigator, Mount Saint Vincent University

April Mandrona, Co-Investigator, NSCAD University