CCCF urges policymakers to put early years science into action

[March 27, 2007] The Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) encourages policy makers at all levels to act on research highlighted in the Early Years Study 2, released yesterday by the Council for Early Childhood Development.

This study reinforces and updates the science behind why early experiences are so important to the development of a child’s core capacities. For the CCCF, this is further proof of why child care services provided across Canada must be high quality – particularly since over half of Canadian families rely on child care.

“Quality early learning and child care is a key pillar in a range of integrated supports to families to provide the best possible early experiences for young children. As this study points out, there needs to be long-term investments at all levels to make sure the settings, the infrastructure and the qualified staff are in place to keep this pillar strong,” said Don Giesbrecht, CCCF President.

As Canada’s largest early learning and child care organization, CCCF has led numerous initiatives to improve quality. At its upcoming national co-hosted conference in Halifax, June 15-17, it will launch an updated version of its National Statement on Quality, an evidence-based document that outlines the nine crucial elements that must be in place to ensure a quality child care program. At the same conference, CCCF will also launch a kit to support child care practitioners in their important role of fostering language and literacy skills in young children, based on current research on how children learn and developed in partnership with the Canadian Language and Literacy Network.

“These initiatives are examples of how CCCF is sharing, applying and acting on the science of early childhood development. However, as the Early Years Study 2 notes, there needs to be a comprehensive, integrated approach to put this knowledge into action nationwide. Children and families deserve it – and our future depends on it,” said Giesbrecht.

CCCF is a vibrant partnership of 21 provincial/territorial child care organizations that represents over 11,500 members, including child care practitioners working in centres and family child care, academics, parents and policy makers. CCCF is committed to excellence in early learning and child care through best and promising practice, capacity building, and collaborations, networks and partnerships.

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Media contacts:

Lana Crossman
Publications Manager
(613) 729-5289 ext. 221; lcrossman@cccf-fcsge.ca

Don Giesbrecht
President
(204) 889-9858; cell: (204) 223-9369; don@assiniboinecc.org

Brigid Rivoire
Executive Director
(613) 729-5289 ext. 226; brivoire@cccf-fcsge.ca