Early Childhood Development Initiative – Sturgeon Region (ECDI)

SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS

A child's brain is shaped dramatically in the first five years of life. What is learned early sets the foundation for all learning to follow, including desire and capacity for learning itself. The whole child - social, emotional, physical and identity - is largely shaped in these younger years. Early Childhood Development (ECD) opportunities support children's overall growth, development and learning. High quality care, programs and services best prepare our children for future school and life success.

LITERACY FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY

Literacy begins by birth and develops at the same time as oral language. Family Literacy programs support the parent/child relationship which is the most powerful influence on children's early brain development in the first two years. Through family literacy programs, partents/caregivers learn the importance of the parental role in children's emerging literacy and language development which cannot be overstated.

IS YOUR TODDLER READY FOR PRESCHOOL?

Most preschools in the region will start accepting children at around age 2 1/2 and 3 years, but that doesn't mean your child is magically ready for preschool when s/he reaches that age. Readiness for preschool has more to do with where your child is developmentally. Is s/he socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively ready to participate in a structured, educational program with a group of other children?

The Early Childhood Development Initiative - Sturgeon Region (ECDI) is a region-wide program serving residents of Sturgeon County, including Bon Accord, Gibbons, Morinville, Redwater, Legal and the Edmonton Garrison, that assists eligible families with children 0 to 6 years to access early childhood development programs. Subsidies are available for eligible families experiencing financial barriers.

If you have questions or want to access the ECDI programs for your child, please contact Susan Evans, Coordinator, Early Childhood Development Initiative - Sturgeon Region at 780-939-4321 ext. 206 or toll free at 1-866-939-9303.

IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?

 FREE information session for al parents. Professionals including school therapists, early childhood staff and staff with information on the Ages and Stages developmental screening will be available to discuss developmental stages of learning to assist parents in determining if their child is ready for Kindergarten. All venues will feature a registered dietician presenting on 'Nutrition for Kindergarten Kids'. Supervised child activities and refreshments will be provided. Sessions will be provided at a variety of locations and dates for your convenience.  Click here to vue the dates and locations.