Province to Consult Nova Scotians on Early Years

Published by the Premier's Office

Friday, May 25, 2012

The province is consulting Nova Scotians on a plan to ensure young children are getting the support they need to develop to their full potential. Premier Darrell Dexter released a discussion paper to guide consultation with interested groups and families.

Quotes

Nova Scotia is doing many things right, but there is room to improve how early years programs and services are delivered. This consultation is the first step toward an innovative and integrated approach to early childhood development that offers families quality, accessible and more affordable services. Premier Darrell Dexter

The early years, and especially early intervention and detection, are so crucial for a child's development. Knowing you can ask questions and get advice if you have concerns about your child's development can make a big difference -- it's the difference between a lifelong struggle and knowing your child has the tools they need to succeed in life. Knowing you're not alone is also pretty powerful for a parent. Nicole LePage, a Halifax parent

What we do from before birth, up to school-age, is absolutely critical to the healthy development of a child. There are pockets of excellence in Nova Scotia's early years programs, and this work is the opportunity to bring all resources together for a collaborative, co-ordinated and inclusive program. Anne McGuire, advisory council co-chair

As a doctor, I find the evidence very persuasive -- a greater focus on the early years supports greater success for our children in school and in life, and greater success and prosperity for our province. I encourage everyone to get behind this effort in the best interests of our children and a more positive future for Nova Scotia. Dr. John Hamm, former premier of Nova Scotia

Giving Children the Best Start: The Early Years is an opportunity for Nova Scotians to rally behind their children, to build a seamless and comprehensive continuum of supports from the prenatal period through to elementary schooling. This is the most effective means to ensure all children have an even-handed opportunity to succeed in school and in life. It is the smartest investment in its own prosperity that Nova Scotia can make. Margaret McCain, co-author of Early Years Study 3

Quick Facts

  • The premier also appointed a nine-member advisory council, co-chaired by Anne McGuire, CEO, IWK Health Centre, and Mary Lyon, professor emerita, Mount Saint Vincent University.
  • The discussion paper, Giving Children the Best Start, and a survey are available online. Nova Scotians can share their views until June 22. Regional meetings are also scheduled with partner organizations and groups of parents and families.
  • The first six years are considered the most significant in a child's development. Early years programming helps children develop and learn and helps parents support that development.
  • According to the recent Early Years Study 3, Nova Scotia is lagging behind other provinces in providing a co-ordinated approach to deliver such programs.
  • Every year, the province invests about $100 million in early years programming through more than 200 programs and services, mostly co-ordinated through the departments of Education, Community Services, and Health and Wellness. Organizations at the community level also deliver programs and services.
  • Joining the council co-chairs are: Darrell Samson, superintendent, Conseil scolaire acadien provincial; Dr. Andrew Lynk, pediatrician, Cape Breton; Elizabeth Munroe, assistant professor, Education, St. Francis Xavier University; Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, medical officer of health; Martha MacDonald, professor and chair of economics department, Saint Mary's University; Ted Muggah, former public school administrator; and Cyril Reid, former educator and current chair of Nova Scotia Council of Chairs for the Community Child Welfare Boards.
  • The province committed to consultation and developing an integrated approach to early childhood development programs in the Speech from the Throne.
  • A project office, with staff from the departments of Education, Community Services, and Health and Wellness, is leading the work.
  • The Early Years project office expects to present its action plan to government this fall.

Learn More

Media Contact

Brooke Armstrong
Premier's Office
902-424-2402
Cell: 902-499-8819
E-mail:

Images

Premier Darrell Dexter talks about creating an Early Years action plan.
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Anne McGuire, advisory council co-chair, talks about the work ahead.
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Nicole LePage, a Halifax parent, talks about the value of an action plan.
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Ilira Mertezi and daughter Era stand beside Donna Sutton and Premier Darrell Dexter.
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Ilira Mertezi smiles at daughter Era as Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Education Minister Ramona Jennex and Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald answer questions in the background.
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Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse stands with Era Mertezi.
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The first six years are considered the most significant in a child's development.
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Early years programming helps children develop and learn and helps parents support that development.
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Nova Scotians can share their views on an developing an Early Years plan online until June 22.
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Videos

Early Years Advisory Council Co-Chair Anne McGuire
Mother of two, Nicole LePage
Premier Darrell Dexter talks about creating an Early Years action plan

Audio

Premier Darrell Dexter says Nova Scotians will be consulted on a plan to ensure the youngest children are getting the support they need to develop to their full potential.
Premier Dexter says the province has made great strides to support families and children by helping kids with special needs, more child care spaces and tackling childhood obesity.
Halifax parent Nicole LePage says early years intervention and detection are crucial for a child's development.
Advisory council co-chair Anne McGuire says what happens to children from conception to pre-school is an indicator of future mental health and well-being.