The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education:

Parent Resource Kit Pilot Project Underway

I rise today Mr. Speaker to provide an update on an important early childhood learning initiative presently underway in this province.

As I have noted previously in this Honourable House, we have begun implementation of an early childhood learning strategy, called Learning From the Start, which will include initiatives for children up to age six. Last year, we committed $4.8 million over three years, with an initial focus on programs and services for children from birth to age three.

Mr. Speaker, one of those initiatives involves the distribution of resource kits to parents at key points in their child’s early development. We have recently begun a pilot project, in partnership with regional health authorities, where the first three resource kits are being provided to parents as their child turns two months, four months, and six months old as part of their normal public health clinic visits. About 75 nurses received orientation and are participating in the pilot project, which is currently being offered at 20 public health sites. Following an evaluation of the pilot, province-wide distribution of the kits will occur next year.

Meanwhile, we are finalizing the development of more resource kits aimed at parents of children aged 12, 18, 24 and 36-months old. They too will be piloted, with a view to province-wide implementation over the next three years.

Mr. Speaker, these resource kits contain vital information for parents on how to ensure their child has the best possible start in life. They also include play materials, books and CDs designed to support parents in their efforts to help their child develop the emotional, social and language skills that will form the foundation of all future learning.

There is more brain development between the ages of birth and age three than at any other time in our lives, Mr. Speaker. So while we are just at the beginning stage of this project, I look forward to seeing these important resources eventually get into the hands, and homes, of every new parent in this province.

It is parents, Mr. Speaker, who are every child’s first teachers. It is therefore important that we give them information and tools which will help their child develop skills that will prepare them well for school, and for life.

2012 05 15                               1:45 p.m.