British Columbia s Early Years

Transcription

1 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Activities and Expenditures on Early Childhood Development and Early Learning and Child Care Committed to our Children s Future

2

3 Table of Contents Message from the Ministers of Children and Family Development, Education, Health and the Minister of State for Child Care Introduction... 1 Federal/Provincial/Territorial Agreement on Early Childhood Development...2 Investments in Early Childhood Development...2 Early Childhood Development: Major Activities and Accomplishments 2006/ Key Action Area: Promote Healthy Pregnancy, Birth and Infancy...4 Childhood Immunizations...4 Midwifery...4 Women s Health Improvements Perinatal Depression...4 Tobacco Reduction...5 Cessation Resources...5 Shaken Baby Syndrome...5 Prevent SBS BC...5 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention...6 Prevention of FASD: ActNow BC Healthy Choices in Pregnancy...6 FASD-Related Support for Children and Families...7 Canada Northwest FASD Partnership and the FASD Research Network...7 Infant Development Program...8 Aboriginal Infant Development Program...8 Supported Child Development Program...8 Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program...9 Key Action Area: Strengthen Early Childhood Development, Learning and Care Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Assessments Autism Early Intervention Services Early Intervention Services Early Intervention Therapy...11 Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions...11 Early Childhood Screening Initiatives...12 Early Hearing Screening...12 Vision Screening...12 Dental Health and Screening...13 BC Healthy Kids Program...13 Healthy Eating in Child Care and Early Learning Settings LEAP BC Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers Books for BC Babies Ready, Set, Learn...15 Roots of Empathy...15 Seeds of Empathy... 16

4 Key Action Area: Improve Parenting and Family Supports Parent Information Publications Baby s Best Chance: Parents Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care...18 Toddler s First Steps: A Best Chance Guide to Parenting Your Six-Month to Three-Year-Old...18 Child Health Passport...19 Building Blocks...19 Family Resource Programs Aboriginal Family Resource Programs...21 BC Council for Families...21 Parenting Vision Working Group...21 Key Action Area: Strengthen Community Supports Aboriginal Early Childhood Development...22 Children First...23 Success by Success by 6 Working with Aboriginal Communities...26 BC Healthy Child Development Alliance Collaborative ECD Evaluation Project ECD Funder s Network...27 Early Childhood Development Research Initiatives...28 Human Early Learning Partnership...28 Highlights of HELP ECD Research Activities in 2006/ Highlights of HELP Child Care Research Activities in 2006/ Early Learning and Child Care: Major Activities and Accomplishments 2006/ Early Learning and Child Care in British Columbia...34 Early Learning and Child Care Multilateral Framework Child Care Programs in British Columbia Child Care Operating Funding Program...34 Child Care Capital Funding Program...35 Child Care Subsidy Program...35 Child Care Resource and Referral Program...36 Supported Child Development Program...36 Early Learning Initiative StrongStart BC Early Learning Centres...36 Investments in Early Learning and Child Care...38 Appendix A: Early Learning and Child Care Indicators...44 Appendix B: 2006/2007 Program Expenditure Summary...49

5

6 Message from the Ministers of Children and Family Development, Education, Health and the Minister of State for Child Care The 2006/2007 Early Years Annual Report is an opportunity for us to share with you the activities, successes and expenditures on Early Childhood Development (ECD), Early Learning and Child Care in British Columbia over the past year. This report is part of our commitment to the 2006/2007 funding from the federal government and summarizes our achievements in supporting the needs of families and communities across British Columbia and enhancing the healthy development of young children province-wide. In 2006/2007 British Columbia continued to target several key priorities for ECD, including: * Supporting the development and expansion of Aboriginal early childhood development programs through new investments in language development and revitalisation, literacy initiatives and research; * Promoting literacy and early learning through the expansion of StrongStart BC centres that support parent-child learning interactions in language-rich environments; and * Working with community-based partnerships, such as Success by 6 to raise awareness about the importance of the early years of life and to improve and strengthen supports and services for young children and their families. This government understands that strong families are the foundation of strong communities, with learning and literacy playing a vital role in this equation. We also know a cross-ministry approach is most effective to creating opportunities for children and families to grow and prosper. Research has shown one out of four B.C. children are not developmentally ready when they enter the school system, a reality we are committed to improving upon. This year we saw the extension of the 2000 Federal/Provincial/Territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement until 2013/2014. We will continue to actively develop ECD and early learning and childcare programs to support all children to reach their full potential. Relating to the various circumstances and environments within which children develop, the four key areas of support for priority investments continue to be. * Promotion of healthy pregnancy, birth and infancy; * Improving parenting and family supports; * Strengthening early childhood development, learning and care; and * Strengthening community supports. Involving children, their families, school districts and community organisations in the planning and delivery of services is integral to positive and healthy childhood outcomes. We will continue to focus our investments on early childhood programs and services that give children the best possible start in life, from the prenatal period to school entry.

7 George Abbott Honourable Linda Reid Honourable Shirley Bond Honourable Tom Christensen Minister of Health Minister of State for Child Care Minister of Education and Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Early Learning and Literacy Minister of Children and Family Development

8

9 Introduction The most critical period in a child s life is the early years, when a stimulating environment and positive experiences are integral to shaping healthy brain development. The level of support a child receives throughout these first years of life lays the foundation for his or her future success. While positive child-caregiver interactions are fundamental to shaping the optimal development of young children, the context within which children are raised has a strong influence on their developmental outcomes. Other elements such as family structure, neighbourhood cohesion and level of community support each contribute to the well-being of children, and it is the responsibility of all levels of government to ensure programs and policies are in place to support children within these environments. The government of British Columbia envisions a province where all children are raised in safe and nurturing environments and families are supported. To that end, we have focused our investments on early childhood development programs and services that give children the best possible start in life, from the prenatal period to school entry. All children deserve a chance to thrive, and this government is committed to supporting the physical, social and emotional health of our Province s youngest citizens. British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Page 1

10 Federal/Provincial/Territorial Agreement on Early Childhood Development Under the 2000 Early Childhood Development Agreement, British Columbia received $289.1 million in federal funding over five years (2001/ /2006) to improve and expand early childhood development programs and services across the province. To reflect on the various contexts within which children grow and develop, four key areas of support were identified as priority investment areas for this funding: Promotion of healthy pregnancy, birth and infancy; Improving parenting and family supports; Strengthening early childhood development, learning and care; and Strengthening community supports. In 2003, the federal government committed additional annualized funding of $500 million after 2005/2006 to the provinces and territories to further support early childhood development initiatives across Canada. In 2006/2007, the provincial government received $ million to meet the support needs of communities and families throughout B.C. and to enhance the healthy development of young children province-wide. Highlights of B.C. s investments in early childhood programs and services for 2006/2007 include: Supporting Aboriginal early childhood development through new investments in Aboriginal language and culture revitalisation, literacy initiatives and research; Promoting early learning through the expansion of StrongStart BC early learning centres that support parent-child learning interactions in language-rich environments; and Encouraging physical activity and improving the healthy development of young children through a new investment supporting Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers (HOP), a resource of the Literacy Education Activity and Play (LEAP BC) initiative. Investments in Early Childhood Development This report highlights the major activities and accomplishments of the British Columbia government, and demonstrates B.C. s continued commitment to early childhood development and early learning and child care. To ensure transparency and accountability, all eligible related expenditures are summarized and provided in Appendix B: 2006/2007 Program Expenditure Summary. 1 From Federal Government Budget 2007 Page 2 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007

11 Early Childhood Development: Major Activities and Accomplishments 2006/2007 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Page 3

12 Key Action Area: Promote Healthy Pregnancy, Birth and Infancy Childhood Immunizations British Columbia has one of the most comprehensive immunization programs in Canada, and strives to exceed national expectations in immunization coverage and service. The provincial government, in conjunction with B.C. s Centre for Communicable Disease Control, worked extensively in creating one of Canada s first strategic frameworks for immunization. To build on a theme of collaboration and partnership for immunization, in 2006/2007, extensive consultations were conducted across British Columbia, with input from health authorities, family physicians, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, BC Corrections, First Nations and Inuit Health (Health Canada), and representatives from the Aboriginal community. Immunize BC: A Strategic Framework for Immunization in BC was released in the spring of Immunize BC will complement, guide, and support both health authorities in public health, occupational health, acute care, and residential care settings and health system partners, such as private clinics and general practitioners, to together deliver optimal immunization services in B.C. Midwifery Midwifery is integrated into the full spectrum of obstetrics, providing care in community, homebased and hospital settings for healthy pregnant women and their healthy 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. Midwifery services are a benefit for eligible British Columbia residents enrolled with the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Approximately 3,200 full courses of care (births) were managed by 110 midwives in British Columbia in 2006/ Women s Health Improvements Perinatal Depression 2 Ministry of Health MSP Knowledge Base for dates of payment to September 30, Addressing Perinatal Depression: A Framework for BC s Health Authorities, BC Reproductive Mental Health Program: BC Women s Hospital & Health Centre, July Perinatal depression may occur from the time of conception to one year after childbirth and is a significant health issue that can affect up to 20 percent of women 3. The document Addressing Perinatal Depression: A Framework for BC s Health Authorities outlines a framework for action to improve recognition, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for women affected by perinatal depression in B.C. The framework was prepared by the BC Reproductive Mental Health Program at BC Women s Hospital and Health Centre in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Health. The document was based on extensive consultation that included health authorities, mental health organizations, service providers, and other provincial government ministries. During the 2006/2007 fiscal year, health authorities were asked to prepare regional plans, consistent with the framework document that will strengthen perinatal depression services. Page 4 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007

13 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 16 percent, which means fewer infants and children are exposed to second-hand smoke. A tobacco-free generation begins with a comprehensive strategy, including a focus on cessation, prevention, protection, taxation and legislation. Cessation Resources In 2006/2007, the B.C. Reproductive Care Program Guideline: Tobacco Use in the Perinatal Period was released through the health authorities. Other health practitioner and client-centred resources for pregnant women and young mothers were also released through the health authorities. Shaken Baby Syndrome Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a form of child abuse that occurs when an infant or young child is violently shaken. Depending on the severity of the shaking, this can result in severe brain damage or even death. t is a leading, but preventable cause of physical and mental handicap among infants and young children. Prevent SBS BC 2006/2007 was the final year of the Prevent SBS BC Research Project, which was supported by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and other partners, including the BC Children s and Women s Health Centre. The research project included the development, translation and testing of the Period of Purple Crying materials in a randomized controlled trial. The project results found that the materials were effective in enhancing key knowledge and behavioural features relevant to reducing SBS injuries. Future work will focus on province-wide implementation of the Period of Purple Crying SBS prevention program whose goals include creating a cultural change in parents understanding and response to infant crying and reducing the number of SBS cases by 50 percent. The program will represent a collaboration of birthing hospitals, public health nurses and the BC Children s Hospital and will be implemented using a triple dose strategy: Dose 1 provide materials and information to parents by maternity nurses in hospitals; Dose 2 reinforce the message by public health nurses during their visits to new parents; and Dose 3 raise awareness through a public education campaign. British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Page 5

14 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention British Columbia is committed to reducing the incidence and impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, through investments in provincial and community-based initiatives. Over the past six years, British Columbia has made significant investments in community-based initiatives in public awareness, early identification and support for women at risk, and the diagnosis, assessment and support of those affected by FASD. Prevention of FASD: ActNow BC Healthy Choices in Pregnancy Prevention of FASD remains a key priority for British Columbia. One of the four pillars of the ActNow BC initiative is supporting Healthy Choices in Pregnancy (HCIP), particularly related to the reduction of FASD. One of the Ministry of Health s targets associated with HCIP is a 50 percent increase in the number of women counselled regarding alcohol use in pregnancy. B.C. has a comprehensive range of services and supports available for women who are pregnant and parenting, such as public health support, pregnancy outreach programs, and obstetrical services. The HCIP initiative is augmenting these services and supports with these key targeted actions Enhancing pregnancy support programs to access more pregnant women to inform, educate, and counsel them about the harm associated with using alcohol during pregnancy. Educating health and other service providers on best practices for counselling women on the use of alcohol during pregnancy. Developing materials and other resources for women to inform them of the harm associated with using alcohol in pregnancy. Encouraging the reduction and cessation of tobacco use during pregnancy and postpartum. Each regional health authority has prepared an FASD Prevention Plan. ActNow funds were provided in 2006/2007 to those health authorities that are ready to move forward with the activities and strategies identified in their plans. Funding has also been provided to the BC Perinatal Health Program (formerly, BC Reproductive Care Program) to advance other perinatal health initiatives, including breastfeeding support. In 2006/2007, the Ministry of Children and Family Development contributed to the HCIP initiative by funding the development of a training DVD for service providers working with women of childbearing age. As well, the ministries of Education and Children and Family Development partnered to distribute FASD prevention material to all public schools, continuing education programs and band-operated schools offering grades eight to 12. Page 6 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007

15 FASD-Related Support for Children and Families During 2006/2007, the Province continued to enhance diagnosis and assessment, intervention and support services for children and youth with complex developmental and behavioural conditions, including children with FASD. This has involved ongoing collaborative planning among the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority. Additional significant investments in supporting families include: A $3.4 million commitment in 2006/2007 from the Ministry of Children and Family Development for the development and delivery of services for families of children and youth with FASD and other complex developmental and behavioural conditions. This also entailed the provision of training for over 130 service providers on FASD and effective ways to provide support. A $250,000 contribution from the Ministry of Children and Family Development for the provision of Whitecrow Village FASD Family Camps that provide live-in experiential camps for children and youth affected by FASD, their families and support persons. The camps provide a safe and dynamic environment that offers families opportunities to learn ways to effectively support their children who are affected by 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 is partnering in the development and promotion of an inter-provincial/territorial approach on the prevention of FASD and the care and support of individuals affected by this disability. The sharing of expertise and innovative strategies related to FASD across seven jurisdictions has made the Partnership unique in Canada. A major initiative of the Partnership was the creation of the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network. During 2006/2007, five network action teams were developed to enhance opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing among FASD researchers working in the fields of prevention, diagnosis, support and intervention. The teams areas of research include: FASD prevention from a women s health determinants perspective; Evaluation of FASD-specific, public health warnings and education materials; Evaluation of FASD prevention programs; Research in diagnostic issues; and Intervention research in individuals with FASD. The Provincial Health Services Authority of B.C. is the host agency for the Research Network. British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Page 7

16 Infant Development Program The Infant Development Program (IDP) provides home-based support, assessment and intervention services for children, birth to age three who are at risk for developmental delay or who have been diagnosed with a disability. Infant Development Consultants work with children and their families to provide consultation, training and counseling, as well as referrals to relevant community programs. IDP provides home-based services through 52 agencies to over 6,000 infants and their families. In 2006/2007, B.C. increased funding for the Infant Development and Aboriginal Infant Development programs by $2.9 million, bringing the total to $14.2 million annually. This investment supported the development of new programs for Aboriginal children and families and also addressed waitlist pressures for a number of programs throughout the province. Aboriginal Infant Development Program Since 2002 when British Columbia established the Office of the Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal Infant Development Programs, the number of Aboriginal Infant Development Programs (AIDP) has grown from 25 to 32, with another nine under development. Under the leadership and guidance of the AIDP Provincial Advisor and five AIDP Regional Advisors, well over 1,000 Aboriginal children and families have received supports and services in 2006/2007. An additional $225,000 in grants over this period has brought extensive training and professional development opportunities to the growing number of Aboriginal Infant Development Consultants serving their communities. This training includes: IDP certificate/diploma courses at the University of British Columbia (UBC), a two-week summer institute at UBC in July, as well as Home Visiting and Infant Massage workshops. A record number of 41 AIDP staff attended the annual fall in-service in October at UBC. As well, a number of AIDP staff took the Train the Trainer training for the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE) and the Assessment, Evaluation and Programming System (AEPS) for infants training. In addition, AIDP staff attended a number of regional in-services provided by the AIDP regional advisors. Supported Child Development Program The Supported Child Development Program (SCDP) provides support through additional staff, training, and consultation to families and child care providers to assist children with special needs to participate in inclusive community child care settings, including preschools. For some children requiring extra supports, the program provides a critical bridge between the Infant Development Program and Kindergarten, and later to out-of-school care. Over 54 SCDP initiatives serve approximately 5,800 children each year. In 2006/2007, B.C. increased funding to SCDP by $9.2 million bringing the total to $57.2 million 4, to address the need for services. An investment of $100,000 focused on program evaluation and professional development. 4 Includes a $1.9 million transfer for CLBC funding. Page 8 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007

17 Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program The Provincial SCD Advisor and Aboriginal partners around the province have worked together to develop a comprehensive professional development plan for Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal SCD Consultants and support staff. Program development, training, implementation, capacity strengthening and other priority areas were highlighted during the second Aboriginal Supported Child Development Symposium held in September Currently, 12 ASCD programs provide culturally-relevant, services to Aboriginal families both on and off-reserve, and reached approximately 800 children in 2006/2007. An additional 22 programs are under development. This significant growth in capacity has been well-supported by investments in professional development, culturally relevant materials and resources, and mentoring initiatives. ASCD now has its own web presence at ASCD has been evolving rapidly over the last 3 years. Over 40 initiatives are now in varying developmental stages, with several programs having successfully made the move to service delivery. The development of ASCD has been a positive step for providing culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal children with special needs, their families and their communities. British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Page 9

18 Key Action Area: Strengthen Early Childhood Development, Learning and Care Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that may affect social skills, language and behaviour. It affects the functioning and development of the brain and is usually evident before the age of three. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means there is a wide variation in how it affects children. Each individual is unique no one person with a diagnosis of ASD responds or behaves exactly like another with the same diagnosis. Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Assessments The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), funded by the Ministry of Health, supports the British Columbia Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN). The BCAAN is a network made up of specialists and health-care professionals from around the province. Clinicians associated with the BCAAN provide multi-disciplinary assessments and diagnoses for children who may have ASD, in communities throughout B.C. In the past year, the BCAAN completed assessments for more than 1,100 children. Autism Early Intervention Services In 2006/2007, Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) and the Ministry of Children and Family Development jointly delivered services to approximately 4,500 children and youth with ASD and their families. All children with a diagnosis of ASD are eligible for Autism Funding; there are no wait-lists for Autism Funding programs. Approximately 725 children under age six with ASD were served in 2006/2007. Approximately 3,750 children aged six to 18 with ASD were served in 2006/2007. British Columbia s Autism Funding programs have been designed to provide choice and flexibility for families. Parents of children with ASD under age six are eligible to receive up to $20,000 per year to assist with the cost of specialized treatment or intervention based on best practices for children with ASD. With this funding, parents are able to choose the type of intervention, based on best practice, that best meets the needs of their children. The Autism Funding: Ages 6-18 program provides families up to $6,000 per year per child to assist with the cost of purchasing out-of-school autism intervention. This direct funding option is intended for interventions in addition to the child s educational programs delivered through their local school district. Page 10 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007

19 In addition to the direct funding option, the Ministry of Children and Family Development also contracts for the provision of Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention (EIBI) for children under the age of six. These services are available in seven communities in B.C. and provide intensive interventions based on applied behavioural analysis to children. As demand for autism funding programs has grown and to ensure families of children with ASD have prompt access to funds with which to secure effective and timely intervention, the Ministry of Children and Family Development s budget for autism has increased from $3.4 million in 1999/2000 to $34.6 million in 2006/2007. In 2006/2007, the ministries of Children and Family Development and Education co-funded the development of a study guide for The Boy Inside, a film documenting the life of Adam, a young boy with Asperger Syndrome, as he makes his way through Grade 7. Six hundred copies of the DVD/Study Guide were distributed to school districts in B.C. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that may affect social skills, language and behaviour. It affects the functioning and development of the brain and is usually evident before the age of three. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means there is a wide variation in how it affects children. Each individual is unique no one person with a diagnosis of ASD responds or behaves. Early Intervention Services Early Intervention Therapy Early Intervention Therapies (EIT) provide community-based physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and family support worker services to preschool children who are at risk of developmental delay or who have a disability and/or developmental delay. Services include screening, assessment, intervention, consultation, education and training to parents and community members, and service coordination. For the first time in my 15 years working with children with ASD, I believe that we are starting to see some real changes in the children that we are working with. Previously I felt I had limited success in my therapy and consultations when working with children with ASD. Because of autism funding in B.C., I am now able to develop my own teams and through our clinical group, we are seeing remarkable results. This may or may not be the silver bullet but at least we can attempt to provide best-practice clinical services because of autism funding. Service provider/behaviour consultant New investments were provided in 2006/2007 to reduce waiting times and increase access to EIT services. In addition, $471,500 in grants was provided to support initiatives related to Aboriginal early intervention therapy and speech-language development, specialized outreach services and recruitment and retention of paediatric therapists professional development opportunities, a distance-mentoring project and materials to support the effective utilization of therapy assistants. This grant funding will support gatherings that will bring together Aboriginal community members and local early-intervention service providers to connect and collaborate on ways to strengthen early intervention services for Aboriginal children and families, and ensure they are meaningful and culturally safe. Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions (CDBC) is a partnership among the five regional health authorities together with and responsible to the Provincial Health Services Authority. Modeled after the B.C. Autism Assessment Network, CDBC is designed to provide a standardized assessment for children with possible FASD and other complex developmental behavioural conditions. The program, once fully implemented, has a targeted capacity to assess approximately 1,500 children annually 5. 5 Children and Women s Centre of BC, via , December 24, British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Page 11

20 Early Childhood Screening Initiatives British Columbia is implementing an integrated cross-ministry strategy to provide dental, hearing and vision screening for children under age six. The Ministry of Health is leading these screening initiatives with partners from the Ministries of Children and Family Development, Employment and Income Assistance and Education, First Nations Health Council and health authorities. Early childhood screening is identified as 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. Early Hearing Screening The BC Early Hearing Program provides hearing screening to all babies born in B.C. The first phase of the program, early hearing screening in all Neonatal Intensive Care Units, was fully implemented in February The second phase of the program, newborn hearing screening in postpartum (i.e. well-baby) units began in September 2007, with full implementation across all birth hospitals anticipated by late fall Universal newborn hearing screening is a non-invasive test administered shortly after birth, allowing for early and appropriate interventions. With the implementation of the Early Hearing Screening Program, all newborns in B.C. will receive birth screening for congenital hearing loss; ongoing monitoring for later-onset loss; medical and audiological assessment for confirmation of hearing status; amplification for optimal use of available hearing; and early intervention for communication and social-emotional development. Permanent congenital hearing loss is a public health problem affecting at least one to two babies in every 1,000 births, with some studies suggesting as many as six babies per 1,000 live births per year are affected, depending on severity of loss 6. Prior to Early Hearing Screening programs, hearing loss in children was identified at an average age of 44 months. Most hearing children of that age have acquired thousands of words and are able to communicate in complete sentences. Late identification of hearing loss delays access to needed interventions for deaf or hard-ofhearing children. This in turn leads to delayed language and communication skills, which are keys to literacy and academic development. Earlier detection of hearing loss and initiation of interventions will maximize opportunities for language development, school readiness and social skills. Early diagnosis and intervention can profoundly impact a child s healthy development. Vision Screening 6 Hearing Screening for Every Baby -- A Sound Start: A British Columbia initiative for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention. The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention -- BC (EHDI-BC) Steering Committee, July 30, Excellent sight and eye health are important to a child s development. During the 2007/2008 school year, health authority public health staff will be implementing kindergarten vision screening, and in the spring of 2008 begin pilot activities for preschool vision screening. The Ministry of Health is working with health authorities to develop and implement consistent Page 12 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007

21 processes and procedures for universal kindergarten screening. The goal is to transition to a vision screening program for three-year-olds in order to support earlier identification and treatment of possible vision concerns. The purpose of the vision screening program is to identify possible visual defects (amblyopia or lazy eye, strabismus or cross eye, refractive errors or nearsightedness and farsightedness) in preschool age children and/or kindergarten age children and to facilitate treatment and care for children with identified visual defects. Vision screening initiatives will ensure that parents and other caregivers have important information on children s eye health and vision and that children with vision impairment receive early intervention and treatment and consequently optimize their capacity to adapt and learn throughout childhood. Dental Health and Screening The goal of the Early Childhood Dental Health initiative is to provide programs that offer the best opportunity to improve the dental health and well-being of infants and children. B.C. s dental health enhancements include several public health prevention components to address the issue of early childhood caries, in particular identifying and supporting families with children at risk of developing dental disease. The enhancements also focus on increasing dental care access for children from low-income families and for families in communities where access to dentists is difficult. An information phone line and the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance BC Healthy Kids Program support families dental care access. The Province and the B.C. Dental Association have jointly produced a province-wide television-based media campaign to raise awareness of the importance of dental health in young children. In 2006/2007, all health authorities completed dental screening surveys for kindergarten children to determine the percentage of children with no evidence of dental decay. Ninety percent (35,367 of 39,112) of children participated in the kindergarten dental survey. Sixty-one percent of children surveyed showed no evidence of dental decay and 23 percent of children surveyed had restorations present but no evidence of visible decay 7. BC Healthy Kids Program The BC Healthy Kids Program, formerly reported as the Healthy Kids Dental and Optical Program, provides basic dental and optical services for children in low and moderate income families in receipt of premium assistance through the Medical Services Plan of the Ministry of Health. The program works as a bridge for those families moving from income assistance to employment by enabling families to retain some benefits previously associated with income assistance. In doing this, the program removes one of the barriers for families moving from income assistance back to employment. In 2006/2007, the BC Healthy Kids Program continued to grow as the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance focused on increasing awareness of program availability and benefits. 7 Dental staff, Health Authorities, August and December British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Page 13

22 Healthy Eating in Child Care and Early Learning Settings Early childhood is a critical time for the development of food preferences and eating patterns a complex process involving physiological and psychological underpinnings. Key influential factors include food availability, development of food preferences, modeling by parents and caregivers, and peer behaviours. As such, family and group child care and early learning settings have an opportunity to influence young children s eating habits. The Ministry of Health, in partnership with 2010 Legacies Now, is developing a revision of Food Flair for Child Care, Parents Handouts and Recipes. The new Food FLAIR will contain best-practice nutrition guidelines, learning activities and recipes Legacies Now will distribute Food FLAIR through their website and a train-the-trainer model starting in winter 2007/2008. LEAP BC Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers Literacy Education Activity and Play (LEAP BC) is an initiative that promotes literacy in children up to the age of five by integrating reading and language skills with play. LEAP BC provides parents and caregivers with access to tools and resources to help them encourage physical activity and healthy eating in their children, while engaging children in literacy activities such as singing, rhymes, movement and games. LEAP BC is a component of the ActNow BC initiative promoting healthy lifestyle choices for British Columbians, and is led by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministries of Children and Family Development and Health. A grant of $1.2 million in 2006/2007 was provided to enhance the LEAP BC resource Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers (HOP) which provides families that have children aged three to five with information and activities that promote literacy, physical activity and healthy eating. To date, the grant has facilitated the publication of 40,000 copies of the HOP Early Learning Resource Manual, and a supporting DVD. HOP Master Trainers have been hired and trained; as well, 77 workshop leaders have been trained in HOP. All workshop leaders and master trainers received a HOP Resource Manual and a Resource Bin (durable duffel bag with wheels), which included 10 books, beanbags, a 12-foot parachute, playground balls, jump rope and other items. Future work will focus on the Aboriginal component of HOP. Books for BC Babies Books for BC Babies is a community-based literacy program that introduces parents of newborns to the benefits of early and frequent reading to infants and toddlers, while increasing awareness of library services. Research shows that children have a better chance of entering kindergarten ready to learn and of later becoming fully literate adults if reading is encouraged in the home from infancy. Books for BC Babies promotes ongoing literacy development by helping parents link with community resources such as family resource programs, community centres and local libraries. Page 14 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007

23 The program provides a package of material to parents of every newborn baby in B.C. (approximately 40,000 each year). The Books for BC Babies package is distributed in the community by a range of community partners, businesses and service clubs. The 2006/2007 package contained the board book I Heard a Little Baa by Elizabeth MacLeod, together with a children s music CD, a booklet titled Babies Love Books: A Guide for Grown-Ups, baby s first library card and a poster. Also included in the kit is a 20-minute educational literacy DVD, I Love When You Read, that provides literacy information to parents and caregivers. The DVD was produced through an $80,000 grant awarded to the BC Library Association in 2006/2007 by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Ready, Set, Learn Ready, Set, Learn (RSL) is an early childhood initiative that provides an opportunity for elementary schools offering kindergarten to partner with community-based early childhood service providers to influence school readiness in children. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministries of Children and Family Development and Health. RSL events include school tours, visits to classrooms, and play activities for the children. Participating community partners also share information on local early childhood programs and services with parents and caregivers. Three-year-olds and their families attending the RSL events receive a free kit of materials from the school that includes an age-appropriate book for the child, and a booklet of helpful tips for parents/ caregivers on supporting their preschooler s learning and development. In the 2006/2007 school year, 1,100 public schools participated in the Ready, Set, Learn initiative. All 60 school districts participated in RSL in 2007 (100 percent district participation). In addition, 101 independent schools participated in Ready, Set, Learn in 2006/2007. Roots of Empathy Roots of Empathy (ROE) is an evidence-based classroom program for students aged five to 14, aimed at reducing aggression and violence among schoolchildren while raising social and emotional competence and increasing empathy. The long-term goal of ROE is to build capacity of the next generation for caring and compassionate citizenship, and parenting. In the short-term, ROE focuses on raising levels of empathy, resulting in more respectful and caring relationships and reduced levels of aggression and bullying. ROE uses a universal approach where all students are positively engaged and no one child is singled out. ROE promotes community involvement in schools through the participation of volunteer families and facilitators from outside the school. The key element of the ROE program is a family visit to the classroom by a parent and infant, together with a certified ROE instructor. During the visit, the students are coached to observe the visiting baby s development, celebrate milestones, interact with the baby and learn about an infant s needs and unique temperament. At the same time, parents learn parenting skills and enhance their knowledge of infant development. There are a total of 27 visits over the school year. British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Page 15

24 Research conducted in British Columbia and elsewhere has demonstrated the effectiveness of Roots of Empathy. Children who participate in the program show reduced aggression and increased pro-social behaviour. By promoting social and emotional skills early on, we are paving the way for greater academic and social success later in life. In fact, we are creating more caring citizens, and a more caring society. Mary Gordon, President and Founder, Roots of Empathy In the 2006/2007 school year, ROE expanded to 640 classrooms (kindergarten to grade eight), involving 478 schools and reaching 16,000 children. In addition, the ROE program trained 241 new facilitators, 10 new mentors who maintain program quality, and 14 new key point persons bringing the total to 428 facilitators, 24 mentors and 56 key point persons for ROE in B.C. Since the inception of the program in B.C. in 2000, ROE has reached more than 43,500 students in more than 1,750 classrooms. Seeds of Empathy Seeds of Empathy (SOE) is a program designed to develop social and emotional literacy in children aged three to five, and is based on the Roots of Empathy program. SOE fosters the development of social and emotional competence, supports early literacy, and reduces childhood aggression, bullying and violence in schools and communities. The SOE program has two main elements literacy circles and family visits. Literacy circles are designed around a set of children s books, with literacy coaches reading to the children and using stories to help children explore their own feelings. Family visits encourage children to observe how a baby is developing and to examine and label the baby s emotions as well as their own. In 2006/2007, SOE s parent program, Roots of Empathy, received a grant of $800,000 to further develop and expand SOE into 16 new sites. There are currently 26 SOE sites in the province. Angel Child Care Centre, New Westminster Brent Kennedy Learning Centre, South Slocan Bright Adventures Daycare, Nanaimo Canyon Heights Montessori Preschool, North Vancouver Champlain Child Development Centre, Vancouver Christian Life Daycare, Campbell River Dundarave Preschool by the Sea, West Vancouver Enchanted Woodland Childcare Centre, Nanaimo Our staff feels great joy when they observe the three and four year olds during the Family Visit. The children display such pride and happiness when they see baby doing something new. It s amazing to see them respond so positively to a baby. Children are handling their dolls ever so gently, because every baby or dolly is their baby. Early childhood educators comments regarding the Family Visit Page 16 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007

25 Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre, Esquimalt Inkameep Preschool Daycare, Oliver Jumping Jacks Preschool, Revelstoke Kamloops Christian Childcare, Kamloops Langley Child Development Centre/Variety Preschools, Langley Little Ferns Early Learning Centre, Nanaimo Little Lambs Child Care Centre, New Westminster Mount Pleasant Child Care Society, Vancouver Salmon Arm West Elementary Family Learning Centre, Salmon Arm Seabird Island Daycare Centre, Agassiz Step Together Learning Centre, Coquitlam Treehouse Early Learning Centre, Richmond University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Child Care Society, Prince George Victoria West Community Y Child Development Centre, Victoria View Royal Preschool, Victoria Waglisla Glelas Daycare, Bella Bella West Vernon Children s Centre, Vernon Witsuwiten Child and Family Centre, Smithers Supporting children s social and emotional literacy in their early years will lead to better outcomes at school and at home. Seeds of Empathy fosters the development of empathy among preschoolers, giving them the tools to understand their own emotions and those of their families and classmates. Mary Gordon, President and Founder, Roots of Empathy Inkameep Preschool Daycare is situated on the reserve of the Osoyoos Indian Band in Oliver, near the southern end of the Okanagan Valley, and serves the reserve community and surrounding area. Karen Grieg, Director at Inkameep, related a story to Seeds of Empathy staff that shows the impact of the program. Shortly after the program started, Grieg spoke with a child who appeared to be upset, asking if he was frustrated. A three-year-old girl, who was participating in Seeds of Empathy, was walking by. She stopped and said, No, he looks really sad. Grieg said the little girl had accurately identified the boy s feelings he said he was sad. According to Grieg, just a month earlier, the girl would likely have just walked by without stopping to talk about the boy s feelings, as she had done numerous other times when a child was upset. According to Grieg, This child is different now. She pauses when there is a child upset, and seeks out help for the child or tries to help the child herself. That s a big difference! Karen Grieg, Director, Inkameep, Okanagan Valley British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007 Page 17

26 The children were so engaged in the story and called out the feeling words with each turn of the page. One centre reported about reading the story The Kissing Hand to the children (the book tells the story of a racoon who fears leaving his mother for the day to go to school. She places a kiss in the palm of his hand and tells him to press it to his cheek to be reassured of her love when she is not with him). A staff person related that, some children said they would give their younger brothers and sisters a kissing hand so that they wouldn t be scared. The children kept kissing their hands during the day. Early childhood educators Comments on the literacy circles Key Action Area: Improve Parenting and Family Supports Parent Information Publications The B.C. government supports a number of parent publications to enhance access to accurate information and expand knowledge and ability to cope with pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. Baby s Best Chance: Parents Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care Baby s Best Chance has been available free of charge to B.C. parents since It provides upto-date information on healthy pregnancy, infant care, and parenting for babies up to 6 months of age. Endorsed by professional organizations, Baby s Best Chance (6th edition) is in demand province-wide by parents and health care providers. Toddler s First Steps: A Best Chance Guide to Parenting Your Six-Month to Three-Year-Old Toddler s First Steps has been available free of charge to B.C. parents since It is a follow-up handbook to Baby s Best Chance and provides information about caring for children ages six months to three years old. Endorsed by professional organizations, Toddler s First Steps helps parents understand what contributes to their child s healthy growth and development. The handbook is filled with important information and safety tips to help parents and caregivers nurture and support young children. The second edition is under development and is planned for distribution in spring Page 18 British Columbia s Early Years Annual Report 2006/2007