Description

Early childhood often refers to the first six years of a person's life; early childhood development refers to the growth and development that young children experience during that time.  In general, growth and development is described in terms of five areas or domains; social development, emotional development, cognitive (intellectual) development, physical development and spiritual development.  

Why invest effort, time, money and/or resources in early childhood development?  There are great benefits to investing in early childhood development - benefits for society, for communities, for neighbourhoods, for families and for the young children themselves.   Studies demonstrate that children flourish in communities where resources for families and children are available.   When children are cared for and nurtured in their first six years, the results can be tremendous.  As they grow into teens, they are less likely to drop out of school, abuse drugs, have health problems or be involved in crime.  In fact, for every $1 invested in early childhood services at least $2 are saved in later social costs - and for vulnerable children the return is up to $7 or more for every dollar invested.  By investing resources in the early years, and preventing problems early rather than trying to fix them later, we avoid having to pay down the road in social costs and in human suffering.  Find out more about the rationale for Investment in ECD.

How can communities invest in early childhood development?  One of the many ways that communities can invest is by creating, implementing and monitoring a strategy that addresses the successes and challenges of a community's young children and their families.  An 'Early Childhood Development Strategy' must be based on relevant research and data as well as the experiences of community members.

A strategy was developed for The Lower Sunshine Coast in 2005 and was updated in 2007.  Visit the Sunshine Coast Early Childhood Development Planning Table and view the updated Strategic Plan at http://www.ecdcoast.wordpress.com

Research and planning is underway in Powell River, and a strategy should be completed by Fall 2007.