Description:
Endorsed by the First Call Coalition in February 2003, this revised position paper :
• identifies and integrates all components of a comprehensive early childhood development (ECD) strategy required to support young children and their families
• provides a conceptual framework for understanding the programs and services that comprise and support a pro-active ECD approach for British Columbia
• draws upon the latest ECD research and expertise, and reflects broadly based consultation and consensus-building across the ECD sector in British Columbia, and;
• offers organizations and communities an advocacy tool to use as they work together on behalf of and for young children and families
The paper is divided into two sections:
SECTION I highlights the research, policy and advocacy links to early childhood development and introduces First Call's 'ECD Basket' framework, placing it within the context of the broader enabling factors that support all children, youth and families.
SECTION II provides an in-depth look at the 5 components of First Call's ECD Basket. It begins with those supports, services and strategies that are known to strengthen families and enhance the healthy development of children, and then addresses the other four 'Basket' components, which collectively establish a systemic approach to ECD in British Columbia.