The PEI Early Childhood Development Association presented a comprehensive report to government today on ways to promote the healthy development of Island children.
The report recommends thirteen key action areas to enhance supports for children in the prenatal period to the early school years.
The recommendations are based on new early childhood research and province-wide consultations. More than 60 consultations were held with over 65 organizations, as well as youth, parents, grandparents, caregivers and interested Islanders.
Among the recommendations are the need to support the health of pregnant women, strengthen early childhood care, and support children with exceptional needs.
Development of the report was led by the Early Childhood Development Association and representatives from the health and education sectors.
Premier Pat Binns accepted the report of the advisory committee and advised that the provincial government will provide leadership to the strategy through the establishment of a Premier's Council On Healthy Childhood Development and a Children's Secretariat.
The Premier's Council will advise the Premier on children's issues and monitor the implementation of the strategy. The Secretariat will facilitate the development of an annual work plan for children in partnership with government sectors and the community.
"Changing family dynamics and busy lifestyles are impacting the way we care for our children and the amount of time we spend with them," said the Premier. "The report is an important call for action for us to work together to make PEI a place which provides opportunities for children to reach their full potential. The report provides an excellent framework to help us meet our collective responsibility for children, especially in the critical early years."
Carolyn Simpson, Healthy Childhood Development Advisory Committee Chair, advised that the report is based on community input, as well as new research which suggests that how children learn, behave, form relationships, and enjoy good health in later life is very dependent on how they are nurtured in their very early years.
"Our recommendations are based on overwhelming support by the public to increase public understanding and support for the early years," she said. "While government is committed to provide leadership to the strategy, it is the collective ownership of community, business and volunteer sectors, as well as parents and families that will ensure its success."
The strategy outlines the need for action in thirteen key areas: pregnancy, birth and infancy; early childhood care and education; children with exceptional needs; childhood injury; children's mental health; family literacy; parent support; screening and assessment; child protection; environment; technology; public education; and building a children's continuum.
Copies of the report can be obtained by calling Island Information Services at 368 4000.