The first in a series of public consultation meetings organized by the Healthy Child Development Advisory Committee will be held at the Rollo Bay Inn on Tuesday evening, September 14 at 7 pm.
Carolyn Simpson, Chair of the Advisory Committee, says, "The advisory committee is composed of government and community members. The purpose of the committee is to gather input from Islanders on a multi-year child development strategy, as it relates to the prenatal to early school ages."
The meetings will consist of presentations on new research which demonstrates the effects of early childhood experiences on life long development. An overview of the federal government's National Children's Agenda will be provided. Round table discussions will also be held on priorities for children and families, in the areas of health, education, justice and development.
"Parents are the foundation on which the healthy child development strategy will be built," says Simpson. "While families are primarily responsible for raising their children, the health and well being of parents and children sometimes requires supports from friends, communities and governments."
"The Healthy Child Development initiative reflects the priority government places on children," said Simpson. The consultations will assist government in decisions regarding supports for children and families."
Meetings of the advisory committee are planned in the following communities:
Tuesday, September 14, Rollo Bay Inn, Souris, 7 - 9 pm
Thursday, September 16, O'Leary Fire Hall, O'Leary, 7 - 9 pm
Monday, September 20, Summerside Kinsman Centre, Summerside, 7 - 9 pm
Wednesday, September 22, Montague Intermediate School , Montague, 7 - 9 pm
Thursday, September 23, Basilica Recreation Centre, Room 205, Charlottetown, 7 - 9 pm
Monday, October 25, Ecole Evangeline, Conference Room, Abrams Village, 7 - 9 pm
For further information, contact Janet Wood at (902) 368-6178.