Early Child Development (ECD) Mapping Project
Children’s first years of development set the foundation for their success in school and future well-being. Children's development during these early years affects their learning, behaviour, and physical and emotional health throughout adulthood.
The Early Child Development (ECD) Mapping Project is a province-wide, 5-year research project looking at the factors that may influence healthy child development. The project will use the results to support communities and families in ensuring that all children have the best possible start in life.
Project Components
The ECD Mapping Project gathers data on child development from three sources:
-
gauging the ‘readiness to learn’ of 5-year olds as measured by the Early Development Instrument (EDI)
-
collecting information on the socio-economic factors that influence children’s development, and
-
taking inventory of the local services, programs and facilities for families with young children in each community across the province
The data will be ‘plotted’ on maps for every community in the province. This type of information can help to reveal things like where children and families live; the differences across communities in child development; and where strengths and gaps exist in programming, facilities and services. Communities can then use this information to work together to meet the needs of their young children and families
What is EDI?
The EDI is a scientifically validated survey, developed by the Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, used to gauge the 'developmental readiness' of populations of 5-year olds as they enter kindergarten. The survey, completed by kindergarten teachers, collects information of children’s development in five areas:
-
Physical health and well-being
-
Social competence
-
Emotional maturity
-
Language and cognitive development
-
Communication skills and general knowledge
Results from the EDI are designed to be interpreted at the group level. It is a population measure, similar to a census, and no individual child will be identified.
More Information
