.

Understanding the Early Years (UEY) in Canada

UEY is a program of the federal government through Human Resources and Social Development Canada.   UEY got its start in 1999 and UEY sites have been established in about 40 communities in Canada.  Projects have lasted seven, five and three years.

The main goals of UEY are:

• to equip communities with information and knowledge, and
• to explore the influence of community factors on the development of young children.

Understanding the Early Years - Sunshine Coast (UEY-SC)

The UEY-Sunshine Coast project began in late 2005, and will end in 2008.  It was inspired by a need to find out more about local children's development.

Our local project seeks to:

• increase awareness about influences on children's development
• support the development of local action plans
• make connections between communities on the Sunshine Coast and in Powell River and learn from each other
• encourage leaders in regional, economic, social and community planning to use the evidence on early learning and development.

Powell River Child Youth and Family Services Society is the sponsoring organization and partners with Sunshine Coast Community Services Society to implement the project.

.