British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2011/2012

Transcription

1 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2011/2012 Activities and Expenditures on Early Childhood Development and Early Learning and Child Care

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3 Contents Message from the Ministers of Children and Family Development, Education and Health 2 Introduction 3 Early Childhood Development Major Activities and Accomplishments: 2011/ Funding Agreements: 4 Federal/Provincial/Territorial Agreement on Early Childhood Development 4 Investments in Early Childhood Development in British Columbia 4 Key Action Area: Promote Healthy Pregnancy, Birth and Infancy 5 Healthy Start 5 BC Healthy Connections Project (BCHCP) and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) 5 Childhood Immunization 6 Midwifery 6 Women s Health Improvements Perinatal Depression 6 Tobacco Reduction 6 Cessation Resources 6 Shaken Baby Syndrome 7 Period of PURPLE Crying Program 7 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention 8 Support for Children and Families 9 Canada Northwest FASD Partnership and the FASD Research Network 9 Infant Development Program 9 Aboriginal Infant Development Program 10 Key Action Area: Improve Parenting and Family Supports 11 Resources for Parents 11 Building Blocks 11 Family Resource Programs 12 Aboriginal Family Resource Programs 13 The BC Association of Family Resource Programs 13 BC Council for Families 13 Key Action Area: Strengthen Early Childhood Development, Learning and Care 14 Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Services 14 Autism Spectrum Disorder 14 Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Assessments 14 Autism Early Intervention Services 14 Early Intervention Services Early Intervention Therapy 15 Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions 15 Early Childhood Screening Initiatives 16 Vision Screening 16 Dental Health and Screening 16 Early Hearing Screening 17 World Health Organization (WHO) Growth Standards 17 Infant Safe Sleep Guidelines 17 BC Healthy Kids Program 18 LEAP BC 18 StrongStart BC Early Learning Programs 19 British Columbia Early Learning Framework 19 Ready, Set, Learn 20 Full Day Kindergarten 20 Roots of Empathy 21 Seeds of Empathy 21 Key Action Area: Strengthen Community Supports 23 Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Regional Initiative 23 Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Reinvestment Initiative 23 Aboriginal ECD Regional Innovation Chair 23 Offices of the Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal Infant and Supported Child Development 24 Children First 25 Success by 6 26 Success by 6 Aboriginal Engagement 27 British Columbia Healthy Child Development Alliance 28 Early Childhood Development Evaluation Project 28 Early Years Research Initiatives 29 University of Victoria Unit for Early Years Research and Development 29 Human Early Learning Partnership 29 Early Learning and Child Care Major Activities and Accomplishments: 2011/ Funding Agreements: 31 Early Learning and Child Care Multilateral Framework 31 Early Learning and Child Care in British Columbia 31 Child Care Programs in British Columbia 31 Child Care Subsidy Program 31 Child Care Operating Funding Program 32 Major Capital Funding Program 32 Minor Capital Funding Program 32 Child Care Resource and Referral Program 32 Early Childhood Educator Registry 32 Supported Child Development Program 33 Aboriginal Supported Child Development 33 Recognition of Child Care Professionals 33 Appendix A: Early Learning and Child Care Indicators 34 Appendix B: 2011/2012 Program Expenditure Summary 38 Annual Report 2011/2012 1

4 Message from the Ministers of Children and Family Development, Education and Health We are pleased to release British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2011/2012: Activities and Expenditures on Early Childhood Development and Early Learning and Child Care. Working together with our community partners, we are moving forward on Premier Christy Clark s Families First agenda. This means families will be at the forefront of all decisions made right across government. Under this direction, we have taken innovative steps to bring in new early learning and childhood development opportunities and supports to our youngest learners, such as introducing full-day Kindergarten for all five-year- olds across the province. Full-day learning is associated with improved literacy and numeracy, smoother transitions to Grade 1, and increased post-secondary graduation rates. We also continue to strengthen many core services and supports for young children and babies through healthy pregnancy and parenting programs, infant and toddler screening services, quality child care programs, early childhood development opportunities and improving assistance for children with special needs and children with mental health issues. Even as we continue to face a challenging economy, B.C. remains steadfast in its commitment to the early years and to giving children the best possible start in life. We want to ensure that children are given every opportunity to learn, play and grow in healthy and safe environments building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Our successes would not be possible without the dedication and shared commitment of our community partners, service providers and ministry staff across B.C. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your dedication towards making a positive difference in the lives of our children. The Honourable Stephanie Cadieux Minister of Children and Family Development The Honourable Dr. Margaret MacDiamind Minister of Health The Honourable Don McRae Minister of Education 2 British Columbia s Early Years

5 Introduction British Columbia (B.C.) is committed to giving young children a strong start in life, and decades of research confirms the importance of the early years, commonly defined as the period from conception to six years of age, in laying the foundation for an individual s growth and development over the course of their lifetime. While B.C. recognizes that families provide the primary and most important environments to support optimal development of young children, the neighbourhoods and communities in which children are raised also influence their developmental outcomes. Over the course of the various funding agreements with the federal government, B.C. has strategically invested in a comprehensive range of early years programs encompassing a range of interrelated services which provide support for families along a continuum from the prenatal period through to age six. The rationale for public investment in young children is founded on the direct benefits of investments on children and their parents as well as the broader benefits to communities, society and the economy. There is strong research base for the early years, which includes evidence on the impacts of early experiences on brain development, the importance of positive early relationships between children and their caregivers, the social and emotional development of children as well as early childhood mental health, and the value of culture and language as the foundation of early learning and development for Aboriginal children and families. Cross-ministry collaboration and integration in the early years is a priority for the Province, and through these partnerships, the Government of B.C. supports a variety of early years programs that support children and families to reach their full potential. Annual Report 2011/2012 3

6 Early Childhood Development Major Activities and Accomplishments: 2011/2012 Funding Agreements: Federal/Provincial/Territorial Agreement on Early Childhood Development The federal government s ongoing funding commitment under the 2000 Early Childhood Development Agreement was extended in Budget Under this Agreement, provinces and territories received funding to expand and improve early childhood development programs and services across four priority areas: Promote healthy pregnancy, birth and infancy Improve parenting and family supports Strengthen early childhood development, learning and care Strengthen community supports In 2011/2012, B.C. received approximately $66 million in federal funding to support a wide range of community-based early years programs and services for young children and their families across the province. Investments in Early Childhood Development in British Columbia This report highlights the Province s major activities and accomplishments in early childhood development, early learning and child care during the 2011/2012 fiscal year, and demonstrates B.C. s continued commitment to the health and well-being of children and families across the province. The report also demonstrates B.C. s ongoing commitment to fulfill the public reporting requirements under the 2000 Early Childhood Development Agreement. To ensure transparency and accountability, all eligible related expenditures are summarized and provided in Appendix B: 2011/2012 Program Expenditure Summary. 4 British Columbia s Early Years

7 Key Action Area: Promote Healthy Pregnancy, Birth and Infancy Healthy Start Healthy Start is an initiative of the Healthy Families BC prevention strategy launched in May Healthy Start focuses on supporting pregnant and parenting women to ensure that they receive the care they and their families need for optimal health. The Healthy Start initiative encompasses a continuum of perinatal, child, and family public health services that includes both universally delivered services for families, as well as select enhanced services to meet the needs of families that may experience a greater degree of vulnerability. The focus of the initiative is on providing pregnancy and parenting support to families during the prenatal period up to when the child reaches two years of age. Healthy Start helps to standardize provincial perinatal, child and family public health services to reduce inequities in access to public health support services. The Healthy Start initiative was developed by the Ministry of Health in collaboration and consultation with all health authorities and other key partners. BC Healthy Connections Project (BCHCP) and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) The BC Healthy Connections Project (BCHCP) is one component of Healthy Start, an initiative of the Healthy Families BC Prevention Strategy and the broad continuum of care for pregnant and parenting women. The BCHCP is intended to consider and compare existing services with new services that benefit young, lowincome, first time mothers in BC communities and contribute to long-term physical, mental and social health and wellbeing. BCHCP will be offered to women who meet the following eligibility criteria: pregnant (enrolled no later than the 26th week of pregnancy); low-income; under 25 years of age; and who will be parenting for the first time. The new, enhanced intensive home visitation service for young expectant mothers and their children (up to two years of age) is called the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP). The NFP is an evidence-based, structured and sustained public health nursing home visitation program that works to improve the health, well-being and self sufficiency of young, low-income, pregnant women who will be first-time mothers and their children. The program includes regular home visits by public health nurses from the prenatal period through to the child s second birthday. Program delivery is based on established, consistent guidelines, nurse/supervisor education and client resources. The program goals are to: improve pregnancy outcomes by helping women improve prenatal health; improve child health and development by helping parents provide sensitive and competent caregiving, and improve parental life-course by helping parents develop a vision for their future, plan subsequent pregnancies, and continue their education and employment. The Children s Health Policy Centre at Simon Fraser University will be conducting an evaluation of the Nurse- Family Partnership (NFP) program in BC. Annual Report 2011/2012 5

8 Childhood Immunization Since being introduced more than 100 years ago, immunization has prevented more disease, disability and death than any other public health intervention. Immunization coverage rates from show that approximately two-thirds of children are completely up-to-date for all routine infant and toddler immunizations by the time they turn two years of age. Close to 80 percent of kindergarten students are up-to-date for their school entry booster. For healthy families and communities, it is important that children and those around them are fully immunized. Health care providers, parents, and care providers are striving to ensure that children in BC are up-to-date with their immunizations. A key strategy to achieve this has been to increase public access to information about immunization. In 2011/2012, the Immunize BC website was enhanced with more interactive features to assist families in locating expanded information on immunization schedules, vaccine information and immunization services nearest to their home by visiting or calling HealthLink BC at 811. Midwifery In B.C., midwifery is integrated into the full spectrum of obstetrics, providing care in community, home-based and hospital settings for healthy pregnant women and their babies. The College of Midwives of BC oversees the profession, with mandatory registration, standards of practice, and guidelines for physician consultation and transfer of care. As of August 2012, there were 196 midwives providing services in B.C. 1 Women s Health Improvements Perinatal Depression Perinatal depression may occur during pregnancy and up to one year after childbirth. It is a significant health issue that can affect up to 20 percent of women. 2 In 2011/2012, health authorities continued to advance the implementation of regional perinatal depression plans that are based on Addressing Perinatal Depression: A Framework for BC s Health Authorities. These actions are intended to improve recognition, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for women affected by perinatal depression in B.C. Tobacco Reduction Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in B.C. and one of the greatest risks facing B.C. s youth. British Columbia continues to have the lowest rate of smoking in Canada at 14.3 percent, as well as the lowest rate of children under the age of 17 exposed to second-hand smoke (2.3 percent). A tobacco free generation begins with a comprehensive strategy, including stopping youth and young adults from starting smoking, helping smokers to quit and protecting British Columbians from exposure to secondhand smoke. Cessation Resources QuitNow Services, delivered through the BC Lung Association, provide a wide range of free smoking cessation services that are available around the clock for all B.C. residents. Trained care coaches assist the public in developing a quit plan, dealing with cravings and provide on-going support. As of September 30, 2011, under the B.C. Government s Smoking Cessation Program, the cost of prescription smoking cessation drugs is covered as a benefit of PharmaCare. Non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy 1 College of Midwives of BC: Register of Current and Former Registrants, August 2012 accessed at 2 Addressing Perinatal Depression: A Framework for BC s Health Authorities, BC Reproductive Mental Health Program: BC Women s Hospital & Health Centre, July British Columbia s Early Years

9 products are also provided at no cost to B.C. residents. More information on QuitNow Services is available by phone, toll free at , online at or through a free 14-week mobile texting service. Resources targeted at girls and women include: The When a Woman Quits Smoking rack card; The Little Quit Smoking Book. For girls and women who are thinking about quitting smoking; and Women: Info & Tips Booklet. For girls and women who do not want to stop smoking or who are not ready to quit yet. Shaken Baby Syndrome Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a leading but preventable cause of physical and mental disability among infants and young children. The most common trigger for shaking a baby is inconsolable crying, with most shaking and physical abuse of infants occurring in the first six months of life. Each year in B.C., an average of between five and ten children suffer traumatic brain injury from shaking and require hospitalization. 3 About one-third of hospitalized cases result in death and of those who survive, approximately 80 percent will have permanent disabilities. 4 Period of PURPLE Crying Program With implementation beginning in 2008, the Period of PURPLE Crying is a shaken baby prevention program that educates new parents and caregivers about normal infant crying and the appropriate actions to take during periods of inconsolable crying. The program is presented in two components: an 11-page booklet, Did you know your baby would cry like this?, and a 10-minute DVD. The key goals of the program are to bring about a cultural change in understanding infant crying and to reduce the number of cases of traumatic brain injury due to shaken baby syndrome by 50 percent. Emerging results have been encouraging since the implementation of the Period of PURPLE Crying program as reflected in lowered rates of abusive head trauma (SBS) and infant physical abuse since As anticipated, the program appears to be most effective in preventing abuse in infants six months of age or younger. Other 2011/2012 program updates: 18 B.C. foster parent associations continued to provide PURPLE training to foster parents through inservices and compact discs; 139 foster parents completed PURPLE program training via online modules, bringing the total trained since implementation to 1,391 (as of July 2012); 870 MCFD staff completed training via online modules (as of July 2012); Staff from 44 community-based family support centres, 48 infant/child development programs, 38 pregnancy outreach programs, 48 community centres and 39 Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) centres completed PURPLE training; 130 First Nations communities have received program resources; 3,334 maternity and public health nurses have completed PURPLE program training (as of July 2012); and The public education campaign, launched in 2010, included two major awareness campaigns in the latter half of 2011: PURPLE Tears (June) and Click for Babies (November). 3 Based on 2004 review of BC Children s hospital Child Protective Services statistics; rate of cases has remained fairly stable over time. 4 King et al. Shaken baby syndrome in Canada: clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospital cases. CMAJ. 2003; Keenan et al. A population-based study of inflicted traumatic brain injury in young children. JAMA Annual Report 2011/2012 7

10 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term that describes the range of harms that can occur in a person whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. FASD poses lifelong challenges for individuals and communities across the province. There is no safe time, no safe type, and no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Daily drinking and binge drinking (four or more drinks at any one time) are the most risky. Since the safe level of alcohol use in pregnancy is not known, it is recommended that women do not drink alcohol at all during pregnancy. British Columbia is committed to reducing the incidence and impact of FASD through investments in provincial and community-based initiatives that support women, individuals, families and communities. This work is outlined through a 10 year cross-ministry provincial plan on FASD that promotes an integrated service delivery approach. A copy of the plan is available at: The B.C. government has implemented a multi-faceted approach to address issues related to FASD from prevention activities through awareness and education to support for children, youth and adults living with FASD. Prevention-related activities include: Continued implementation by regional health authorities of their FASD Prevention Plans focusing on ensuring pregnant women are informed, educated, and counselled about alcohol use in pregnancy. Broad based FASD prevention resources to promote awareness of the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy have been developed by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch in collaboration with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Ministry of Health, BC Women s Hospital and Health Centre, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. These resources are available for download or order from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch s (BCLDB) website at Alcohol and pregnancy information for the public and health care providers is also is available on the Best Chance Website www. bestchance.gov.bc.ca and in Baby s Best Chance: Parents Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care (available online at and the Healthy Families BC website A new Canadian set of low-risk drinking guidelines and supporting resources have been developed in collaboration with staff from the Ministry of Health and the University of Victoria. These guidelines are intended to reduce the health risks of alcohol consumption and promote responsible use of alcohol. For more information, see and 8 British Columbia s Early Years

11 Support for Children and Families The Ministry of Children and Family Development is committed to supporting families with children and youth with FASD and similar neurodevelopmental conditions. The ministry s Key Worker and Parent Support program assists families in understanding FASD by providing education and information specific to the needs of the child and family. The program assists parents, family members, adoptive parents, caregivers and service providers in recognizing a child s individual strengths and adapting the environment in response to the child s needs. Parent support approaches vary but may include local parent and grandparent FASD training and parent support groups. Parents and community service providers continue to report the program plays a key role in helping them better understand how best to support children and youth with FASD. Canada Northwest FASD Partnership and the FASD Research Network B.C. is a member of the Canada Northwest FASD Partnership an alliance of the four western provinces and three territories that shares expertise and resources in FASD prevention, diagnosis and support, and the advancement of research. A major initiative of the Partnership is sponsorship of the Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD). During 2011/2012, CanFASD moved towards becoming a national non-profit agency to further the opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing among FASD researchers, clinicians, and policy makers working in the fields of prevention, diagnosis, support and intervention. In 2011/2012, CanFASD secured $3.4 million 5 in research grants in innovative research in FASD. Research in FASD prevention is examining how to best support at risk women. Multi-site studies in FASD diagnosis and assessment are designed to better understand what challenges are most often faced by children and youth with FASD and research is also underway to identify ways to potentially enhance the cognitive functioning of children. More information on CanFASD and its research activities is available at: Infant Development Program Infant Development Programs (IDPs) provide a range of integrated, family-centered prevention and early intervention services and supports for families of young children from birth to age 3, who have or are at risk of having a developmental delay. 5 Canada FASD Research Network Annual Report , files/pdf/2012_annual_report_final_e.pdf Annual Report 2011/2012 9

12 Infant development consultants help families ensure that opportunities for physical, social, emotional, behavioural, communication and intellectual development are optimized for their child. IDPs are provided through 52 agencies across B.C. and see over 12,200 children annually. Aboriginal Infant Development Program Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP) celebrated 20 years of providing programs and services to Aboriginal children in B.C., starting from 2 on-reserve programs on Vancouver Island in 1992 to the present 49 that are located both on and off reserve. The year was highlighted with an Award of Excellence for Culture and Diversity from the Representative for Children and Youth. Aboriginal Infant Development Programs in B.C. offer support to families of infants who are at risk or have been diagnosed with developmental delays. Programs are voluntary, family-centred, and primarily focus on children from birth to age three, and services may be provided up to school entry in some communities. In 2011/12, approximately 1800 families received support from AIDP, including early intervention, prevention and parenting supports through home visits, activity planning, and developmental and family needs assessments. Working with community partners and traditional supports such as Elders, AIDP consultants strive to promote healthy infant development and increase parents skills and confidence within the context of traditional culture, beliefs, and parenting practices. For more information regarding AIDP please go to their website at 10 British Columbia s Early Years

13 Key Action Area: Improve Parenting and Family Supports Resources for Parents The B.C. government develops and produces resources that provide parents and caregivers with evidencebased information to support healthy pregnancy, childbirth, early parenting and child development. In 2011/2012, the following publications were available in hard copy, free of charge, through health authorities who distribute copies to public health offices as well as to physicians and midwives offices. They were also available electronically on both the Best Chance Website ( and the Ministry of Health website ( Best Chance Website In 2010, the Ministry of Health launched the Best Chance Website ( in response to the public s need for accurate, up-to-date, evidence-based information regarding women s health, preconception through postpartum health, and infant and child (up to age three) health in a web format. It features practical information, interactive tools, quizzes, glossary terms, and provides further reading and resources. Baby s Best Chance: Parents Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care (BBC) (third revision 6th edition) Baby s Best Chance (BBC) is a parent resource that has been published by the Government of British Columbia since BBC is an easy to read guide that is based on best practices and evidence. It provides information about having a healthy pregnancy, infant care and parenting a baby up to 6 months of age. It is used by expectant and new parents, families, health care providers and providers of prenatal education province-wide. BBC also fosters consistent practice and messaging among health care providers. Toddler s First Steps: A Best Chance Guide to Parenting Your 6-to-36-Month Old Child Toddler s First Steps (second revision, 2nd edition) is a follow-up handbook to Baby s Best Chance and provides information about caring for children ages six months to three years. Endorsed by professional organizations, Toddler s First Steps provides parents and caregivers with accurate, practical information on child development, nutrition, health and wellness, safety, and parenting. Child Health Passport The Child Health Passport is a passport-sized booklet available in English (and online in French) for parents to record important health information about their child, including height and weight, illnesses, injuries, allergies, hospitalizations, and immunizations. Space is provided to record findings of hearing, dental and vision checks. Safety tips are also included. The Passport is reprinted and distributed annually to parents of newborns in B.C. Women s Health Pregnancy Passport The Women s Health Pregnancy Passport provides information about pregnancy, birth and early postpartum care, including a record of check-ups and tests and a list of resources for further information. It is available through public health offices, physicians or midwives, or online at general-information/medical-care-during-pregnancy/family-resources-pregnancy-passport.pdf Building Blocks Building Blocks is an initiative that provides a range of community-based services designed to increase the ability of parents to support the healthy development of children up to six years of age. Building Blocks programs focus on enhanced parent/child relationships, lay home visiting, early literacy and language development and Annual Report 2011/

14 healthy growth. Some programs and support provided under the Building Blocks initiative include Parent-Child Mother Goose, prenatal support, parent/child drop ins and pregnancy outreach. The Building Blocks initiative serves children and families province-wide, with communities determining the supports that best meet their needs. Building Blocks is supported through regional funding from the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Family Resource Programs Family Resource Programs (FRPs) are community-based programs designed to strengthen parenting skills, promote family and community engagement, and provide stimulating environments for children. The core component of FRPs is the parent-child drop-in, which facilitates positive parent-child interaction. FRPs engage with families through five core areas of service: family support, play-based learning, early learning and literacy, parent education, and information and referrals. The FRP model is incorporated and delivered in a variety of family service organizations such as Neighbourhood Houses, Friendship Centres, Military Family Centres and Boys and Girls Clubs. Stand alone drop-in centres, commonly known as Family Places, are also FRPs. As a stay at home Dad, having a place to socialize our toddlers and a place for me to interact with other parents, Little Mountain has been so very important. Moms won t often ask me and my girls over for play dates and having a venue where we can play and socialize easily has been invaluable. Over the past 3 years the people at the house have been tremendously supportive in providing a very safe and happy environment for the three of us to grow, learn, and play. Parent -Vancouver 12 British Columbia s Early Years

15 With few affordable options for families with young children, it is comforting to know we can go to Family Place. Here the children have access to toys and activities I could not easily provide them with at home. I don t know what I would do without the community kitchen activities since I rely on this program for healthy meals for me and my kids. The Family Place offers families with a positive, welcoming and supportive environment. Since attending, I don t feel like I m all alone raising my children. Parent Vancouver, B.C. Aboriginal Family Resource Programs Aboriginal children and families have access to culturally appropriate family support services and resources through Aboriginal FRPs that are regionally funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. In 2011/2012, 23 Aboriginal FRPs supported activities such as parent-child drop-ins, community kitchens, literacy initiatives and cultural activities for children and families, both on and off-reserve. The BC Association of Family Resource Programs The BC Association of Family Resource Programs (FRP-BC) represents approximately 256 FRPs across the province through leadership, resources, and professional development support. In 2011/2012, 50 FRPs successfully implemented the FRP Provincial Standards of Practice and received a fiveyear FRP Standards Certificate. In 2010, implementation of the multi-year FRP Provincial Standards of Practice project continued with a Standards Questionnaire, template development (accredited and non-accredited members) and the creation of a Standards Review Committee. Programs send in submissions for review by this Committee twice yearly. During 2011/2012, 19 FRP practitioners successfully completed the Post Secondary Certificate through the Justice Institute of BC. Additionally, 4 non-frp practitioners also completed this training. Since its pilot in 2009, 66 students have completed the FRP Certificate program. BC Council for Families The BC Council for Families is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that supports families and familyserving professionals across B.C. The Council provides leadership, training and resources that sustain a range of programs and initiatives such as Parent-Child Mother Goose, the Father Involvement Network, Home Visitor Training, Nobody s Perfect and the BC Alliance for Young Parents. The work of the Council strengthens families, promotes prevention and early intervention, and builds family-community connection. In 2011/2012, the Ministry of Children and Family Development provided financial support to assist the Council in the coordination and delivery of the Home Visitor Training Initiative, the BC Alliance for Young Parents network and the Parent-Child Mother Goose program. Highlights included: 75 home visitors trained to deliver the Growing Great Kids curriculum in their communities; 160 participants at the annual BC Alliance for Young Parents conference; More than 350 young parent program professionals received resources and support from the Alliance; 150 individuals received teacher training in the Parent-Child Mother Goose program; and An estimated 2,548 adults and 2,937 children participated in Parent-Child Mother Goose programs. Annual Report 2011/

16 Key Action Area: Strengthen Early Childhood Development, Learning and Care Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Services The infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) services of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, is a specialized mental health service for young children (birth to preschool) who are experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioural problems, and their families, for all British Columbians, inclusive of multicultural and Aboriginal populations. The social-emotional development of infants and young children, integral to their overall development, unfolds within the parent/caregiver relationships, the children s biology and their early life experiences. Subsequently, supporting these young children and their families with interventions early in life promotes child development, strengthens the child-parent/caregiver relationships, and promotes future mental and physical health and academic and career success. The Ministry of Children and Family Development works collaboratively with ministry and community partners to develop and implement IECMH services. Many of the child and youth mental health clinicians who provide IECMH services participated in one or more training events in 2011/2012. The trainings helped to build the capacity of these clinicians to conduct assessments on infants and toddlers, offer treatment to children and their parents/caregivers, and provide education and consultation to service providers. Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition that impacts normal brain development and affects a person s social relationships, communication, interests, and behaviour. ASD is usually apparent by the age of two or three and as a spectrum disorder, its symptoms and characteristics present differently in each child. Studies suggest that ASD affects one in every 88 children and is four to five times more common in boys than in girls 6. Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Assessments The British Columbia Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN), funded by the Ministry of Health, provides diagnostic assessments for children throughout the province. In 2011/2012, BCAAN specialists and health care professionals completed diagnostic assessments for more than 1,633 children. Autism Early Intervention Services The Ministry of Children and Family Development works in collaboration with the Ministries of Health, Education, and Social Development to provide an integrated and accessible continuum of quality services including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, education and support services to meet the needs of children and youth with ASD and their families. British Columbia s Autism Funding programs provide choice and flexibility for families. All families of children with a diagnosis of ASD are eligible and once a diagnosis of ASD is made there are no wait times to access the Autism Funding programs. During 2011/2012, the Ministry of Children and Family Development provided two autism programs: Autism Funding: Under Age 6, where eligible families receive funding of up to $22,000 per year to assist with the cost of autism intervention based on best practices; and Autism Funding: Ages 6-18, where eligible families receive funding of up to $6,000 per year to assist with the cost of out-of-school autism 6 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; March 30, British Columbia s Early Years

17 intervention for their child or youth. This funding builds on the educational program and support services already provided by school districts. Autism funding is intended to allow families the flexibility to purchase interventions that promote their child s individual communication, social-emotional, pre-academic and functional life skills development. These programs served close to 7,500 children and youth diagnosed with ASD and their families: more than 1,000 children under age 6 and 6,500 children and youth aged six through 18. Children and youth diagnosed with ASD and their families are also eligible for a variety of other services and supports through MCFD including Respite, Family Supports, Infant Development and Supported Child Development. Early Intervention Services Early Intervention Therapy Early intervention therapies provide community-based physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and family support worker services for children between birth and school entry who have, or are at risk for, a developmental delay and/or disability. Services include screening, referral, assessment, family education and support, service planning, direct therapeutic intervention, consultation, monitoring, transition planning and community training. In the 2011/2012 fiscal year, MCFD regions contracted with over 45 community agencies, 5 health authorities and 7 school districts for the provision of Early Intervention Therapy (EIT) program services. In the past year, the program supported on an average monthly basis approximately: 4,200 children through occupational therapy services, 4,600 through physical therapy services, and 7,600 through the speech-language pathology services. Program guidelines, revised in 2009, promote consistent delivery of quality early intervention therapy services across B.C and to reflect current best practices. The guidelines are available at: spec_needs/pdf/ei_therapy_guidelines.pdf. Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions The Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions Network (CDBC) is a partnership among the five regional health authorities, together with and responsible to, the Provincial Health Services Authority. Initiated in 2005, the CDBC is designed to provide standardized assessments for children with possible FASD and other complex developmental behavioural conditions. In 2011/2012, the CDBC provided approximately 1,070 assessments for children across B.C. Annual Report 2011/

18 Early Childhood Screening Initiatives The Province provides vision, dental and hearing screening services for children under the age of six through its integrated, cross-ministry early childhood screening initiative led by the Ministry of Health. Other partners in the initiative include the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Ministry of Social Development, the First Nations Health Authority and regional health authorities. Early childhood screening is a key action item in the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan. The Ministry of Health is working collaboratively with Aboriginal representatives to ensure that early childhood dental, hearing and vision screening programs reach Aboriginal children. Vision Screening The Vision Screening initiative ensures that parents and preschool and kindergarten teachers have important information on children s eye health and vision. The initiative also supports children with vision concerns to receive early intervention and treatment, optimizing their capacity to adapt and learn throughout childhood. Health authority public health staff provide annual kindergarten vision screening, with health authorities offering vision screening for threeyear-olds in some locations. In 2011/2012, a total of 37,790 kindergarten children had their eyes screened by public health staff (92.5 percent of children enrolled). Approximately 18 percent of the children who were screened were referred to an eye doctor for a diagnostic eye exam. 7 Dental Health and Screening The Early Childhood Dental Health initiative ensures that B.C. s infants and children have the best opportunity for improved dental health and well-being. B.C. s public health dental programs include several prevention components to address the issue of early childhood caries (dental decay), in particular identifying and supporting families with children at risk of developing dental disease. The Ministry of Health is working with the First Nations Health Authority, Health Canada, and the regional health authorities on an initiative to improve early childhood dental health for Aboriginal children living on and off reserve. The goal of the initiative is to decrease the number of Aboriginal children with active dental decay and increase the number of Aboriginal children with no history of caries. A provincial dental health kindergarten survey is planned for the 2012/13 school year. The provincial dental survey is key for monitoring trends between regions and within communities as well as for evaluating the effectiveness of multiple prevention strategies in an effort to decrease the rate of dental caries in young children. 7 Source: Health Authorities communication March-September British Columbia s Early Years

19 In B.C., the Ministry of Social Development s BC Healthy Kids Program supported enhanced access to family dental care through the establishment of an information phone line ( ). Early Hearing Screening The BC Early Hearing Program (BCEHP) provides hearing screening to all babies born in B.C. Universal newborn hearing screening is a non-invasive test administered shortly after birth, allowing for early identification and appropriate language and communication supports starting in the first few months of life. With the implementation of the BCEHP, all newborns in B.C. receive screening for congenital hearing loss; ongoing monitoring for later-onset loss; medical and audiological assessment for confirmation of hearing status and early intervention supports, including centralized province-wide intake and support, parent to parent support, speech-language therapy, sign language instruction and hearing aid(s). Permanent congenital hearing loss affects at least two to three babies in every 1,000 births. 8 Earlier detection of hearing loss and initiation of interventions maximizes opportunities for language development, school readiness and social skills. Preliminary 2011/12 program data indicates that BCEHP screened 96.8 percent of babies, with 1.6 per cent babies having a positive screen. Over 88 percent of babies received their follow-up hearing assessment. The final 2010/11 program data was comparable with 96.2 percent of babies screened and 99 babies found to have hearing loss. Approximately 94 percent participated in least one of the early intervention support services. Of children requiring early communication monitoring or direct communication therapy, 88 percent enrolled and over 85 percent started before 6 months of age or within 1-2 months of confirmation of hearing loss. Over 500 families participated in a BCEHP survey which rated the family s experience with screening services across the province. Over 96 percent of families rated their experience as good or very good and 98 percent of families would have a second baby screened. Areas requiring improvement included the explanation of screening results and next steps for families. Newborn Screening: Screening is offered to all babies born in B.C. for early diagnosis of 22 treatable disorders including metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, hemoglobinopathies, and Cystic Fibrosis. Without screening, affected infants may not otherwise be diagnosed soon enough to prevent serious health conditions, including developmental delay, blindness, liver problems or even death. The Newborn Screening program is expected to identify approximately 40 children each year with a treatable disorder 9. World Health Organization (WHO) Growth Standards To promote consistent practices in monitoring and assessing growth patterns in infants, children and adolescents, the Ministry of Health developed provincial training materials for public health staff and primary care physicians. The training materials support the implementation of the new WHO Growth Standards and include: guidelines on how to use, plot, and interpret results on the new growth charts; how to provide appropriate guidance to parents; and when to refer children with growth concerns for further follow up. Infant Safe Sleep Guidelines The Ministry of Health provides provincial guidelines for health care providers to promote safe sleep environments for infants up to one year of age. A companion resource provides parents and caregivers up-to-date information about infant safe sleep for nap time, night time, home, or away. The resource helps parents reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and prevent accidental death due to infants being trapped 8 Hyde M Newborn Hearing Screening Programs: Overview. J Otolaryngol 2005; 34(S2): S70-S78). 9 Annual Report 2011/

20 between two surfaces or suffocating during sleep. The resource is available on the Best Chance website in English as well as six other languages The Tripartite Aboriginal Safe Sleep Working Group is developing culturally relevant resources to promote safe infant sleep knowledge and practices among Aboriginal communities in B.C. This group is comprised of representatives from First Nations, federal, and provincial governments, health authorities, and Aboriginal community members. BC Healthy Kids Program The BC Healthy Kids Program, delivered by the Ministry of Social Development, provides basic dental and optical services for children in low and moderate income families who are in receipt of premium assistance through Ministry of Health s Medical Services Plan (MSP). Families who have been approved for MSP premium assistance will automatically be signed up with the Healthy Kids Program. No additional application form is needed to register and coverage begins at the start of the next month. The coverage provides up to $1,400 in basic dental services every two years, access to additional emergency dental coverage and prescription eyeglasses once every year. The Healthy Kids program assists B.C. families in meeting their children s vision and dental care needs. The program also works as a bridge for those families moving from income assistance to employment by allowing families to retain some benefits previously associated with income assistance. As such, the Healthy Kids Program removes one of the barriers for families moving from income assistance back to employment. In 2011/2012, the number of children, aged 0-18, in British Columbia eligible for dental and optical assistance through the Healthy Kids Program grew to 151,871 an increase of 989 over 2010/2011. The Ministry of Social Development continues to promote the program s availability and benefits online and through posters and brochures. These materials are on hand at Employment and Assistance Offices across the province. The general public may also obtain additional information on the Healthy Kids program by calling or by accessing the Ministry s web site at: LEAP BC LEAP BC (Literacy Education Activity and Play), a Decoda Literacy Solutions initiative, promotes healthy child development in children up to the age of five by integrating physical movement, healthy eating, language development, early literacy and play. LEAP BC provides resources and training for families, caregivers and early learning practitioners, including: Move (Move with Me from Birth to Three) Family Resource HOP (Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers) Family Resource HOP Early Learning Practitioners Resource Food Flair Early Learning Practitioners Resource Food Flair Training Modules Talk Activity cards Grandir (French resource) PEP (French resource) Bouger (French resource) Parler (French Resource) Mange Sante (French resource) 18 British Columbia s Early Years

21 LEAP BC resources are available for free download or purchase on the Decoda Literacy Solutions website at Highlights of 2011/2012: Translation and adaptation of 30 LEAP BC activity cards (10 HOP, 10 Talk, 5 Move and 5 Food Flair) in Punjabi; Training for 60+ participants on LEAP BC resources in Saskatchewan (in partnership with Regina Public Library and South West District for Culture, Recreation and Sport); Collaboration through the Vancouver Sport Network with the Vancouver School Board and Action Schools! on pilot program for all StrongStart BC centres in the Vancouver School District using HOP and Move resources; Distributed LEAP BC resources through a variety of channels-online and in face to face settings; Embedded LEAP BC resources in a wide range of play based workshops for early learning practitioners and kindergarten teachers; and Ongoing daily support by phone and is being provided to further promote the use of the resources. StrongStart BC Early Learning Programs StrongStart BC early learning programs support the physical, cognitive, language and social-emotional development of children by providing free programming for children age 0-5, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Located in school facilities throughout the province, StrongStart BC centres are open five days per week for three to four hours per day. Qualified early childhood educators facilitate play-based learning activities. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to increase their own knowledge and skills by observing and practicing effective strategies to support their child s early learning, both in the centre and at home. Also available are StrongStart BC outreach programs in communities where a StrongStart BC early learning centre would not be a viable model. Outreach programs often operate on a reduced schedule to accommodate the many remote locations they serve. Similar to centres, the outreach programs are facilitated by qualified early childhood educators. The StrongStart BC program offers a family-friendly environment where parents and caregivers can make connections with other families in their community, as well as with service providers from local health authorities, community agencies and other social services, such as early screening, child care resource and referral services, family resource programs, special needs supports and libraries. Since 2006, 326 StrongStart BC programs have opened across the province. In 2011/2012 there were over 643,600 visits to StrongStart BC early learning programs and over 33,000 children attended a StrongStart BC program during the school year. British Columbia Early Learning Framework The British Columbia Early Learning Framework describes the vision, pedagogical principles, and key areas of learning for children from birth to five years. A companion document, Understanding the British Columbia Early Learning Framework: From Theory to Practice, provides ideas and suggestions to guide early learning practitioners in implementing the Framework into their practice. It includes tools for reflecting on the vision, principles and learning goals set out in the Framework. Both publications are available in English on the Ministry of Education website at: The French version of Understanding the British Columbia Early Learning Framework: From Theory to Practice is also available and can be downloaded from the Ministry website at: Annual Report 2011/