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Making Early Childhood Development a Priority: Lessons from Vancouver

Report by Clyde Hertzman

Canadians have become increasingly aware of the benefits of early childhood development. Clyde Hertzman points out that it is now recognized, from both a scientific and government perspective, that early childhood experiences can have a profound impact on health, wellbeing, and coping skills throughout one’s life. According to Hertzman, governments have recognized the value of early childhood programs and have implemented agreements that have brought modest levels of federal-provincial transfer payments.

However, not enough is being done to encourage and support early childhood development programs. Hertzman cites findings from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, which suggest that as many as one-quarter of Canada’s young children may be developmentally vulnerable at school entry. He also summarizes findings of the Early Development Instrument (EDI), a Vancouver initiative measuring readiness for school across Vancouver’s 23 neighbourhoods. The EDI found that commitment to early childhood development programs was lacking across Vancouver.

The results show clearly that it is time to develop a system of publicly funded, universal access to opportunities for development, learning, and care for children from birth until school age. Hertzman outlines the policy implications of these types of programs; he argues that funding for these improvements can be easily provided through a “demographic harvest.” Hertzman concludes that creating a long-term plan to encourage early childhood development is an intelligent use of public resources that Canadians need.

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Policy Publication Details

Author(s):	Clyde Hertzman;
Publisher:	Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives [ Visit Website ]
Year Published:	2004;	Publisher Type:	Research Institute
Publicly Available:	Yes	Research Focus:	Provincial;
Registration Required:	No	Language:
Payment Required:	No	Publication Format:	Adobe PDF

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Subjects / Categories:

Policy Articles / Children & Family / Daycare & Childcare
Policy Articles / Children & Family / Daycare & Childcare / 2004
Policy Articles / Children & Family

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