Healthy Kids Bright Futures

Healthy Kids Bright Futures focuses on activities and education to increase young children’s positive development and school readiness. With a coordinated community effort and Healthy Kids’ broad network of partners, children will be more ready to meet age-appropriate skills and behaviour expectations through participation in activities related to each of five domains: physical health and well-being, social competency, emotional maturity, language and cognitive development and communication skills and general knowledge.  

Background

The Early Development Instrument (EDI) measures childhood development at kindergarten age in five domain areas: Physical Health and Well Being, Social Competence, Emotional Maturity, Language and Cognitive Development, and Communication Skills and General Knowledge. 2018 EDI scores show children in Brantford and Brant scored lower than the provincial average in all areas.

Goal

To support child development through decreased vulnerability in 5 key areas of the EDI.

How we will measure success?

Increased EDI scores over 2023 baseline, measured every four years.

How are we going to get there? 

  • Engagement/participation of community partners (child serving agencies/groups).

  • Broadly shared messaging regarding early learning and supports to increase childhood development.

  • Free, low barrier activities for children 0-14 (focus on 0-6) with annual themes over 5 years.

Did you know? 
  • Did you know that trying new things helps children build confidence and courage?
  • Did you know that imaginative play helps children build coping skills?
  • Did you know that taking turns teaches your child cooperation and fairness?
  • Did you know that using words to express your feelings can help your child use their words?