Transcript Slide 1

Discussion Guide
For Community Conversations
12-05-11
Building a solid foundation
Early Childhood Development sets the course for a
child's future. It determines:
•
•
•
•
•
how well children will do in school
their physical and mental health
their behaviour
their relationships with others
their general well-being
12-05-11
Why does ECD matter?
•
Children need a healthy start, good
nutrition, nurturing relationships and
safe, supportive environments to
grow, learn and thrive.
•
Healthy brain development can be
disrupted by traumatic experiences
and ongoing stress.
•
Positive and caring interactions
support healthy development and
buffer negative experiences and
environments.
12-05-11
Why does ECD matter?
Approximately 27% of Alberta’s kindergarten children are experiencing
developmental difficulties.
12-05-11
ECD services are a good investment
12-05-11
The Alberta Approach to ECD
We will focus on
building community
networks of high
quality, connected and
accessible early
childhood programs
and services will allow
parents to access the
right services at the
right time.
12-05-11
Improved
Maternal,
Infant,
and Child
Health
Enhanced
Parenting
Supports
Integrated ECD
System
Enriched Early
Learning and Care
Safe and Supportive
Environments for
Children
The Alberta Approach to ECD
What We Will Achieve
A healthy start
for children
Parents
providing
nurturing and
stable
environments
for their young
children.
Children
realizing their
full
developmental
potential when
they enter
school.
Safe,
supportive
communities
for children to
learn, grow
and thrive.
In Alberta, all children have a healthy start, safe and healthy
environments, nurturing and supportive relationships and
opportunities to learn accessed through a connected system
of community supports and services.
12-05-11
Success will be achieved when:
1. More women experience healthy pregnancies.
2. More children are realizing their developmental
potential in the first years of life.
3. Alberta parents are more confident in their
parenting role and how their child is developing.
4. Communities are working together to increase
access to the right services, at the right time to
meet the needs of families.
12-05-11
Discussion Question 1
Are you aware of some of the early
childhood programs and services in your
community? If so, are those
programs working well?
12-05-11
Discussion Question 2
What would make it easier for everyone to
get the information they need - and
access the right services?
12-05-11
Discussion Question 3
What would help you support your young
child to best learn, grow and thrive?
12-05-11
Discussion Question 4
What things do you think you and your
community can do to help develop an
easily accessible early childhood
development system of support?
12-05-11
Staying Involved
Thank you for your input
You are invited to continue the conversation
Check our website for updates
12-05-11