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Title:What a difference a decade makes: counting the benefits of investment in early childhood development in Quebec.
Author(s):Japel, Christa
Citation:Paediatrics & Child, Vol. 14 No. 10, December 2009
Subject:Children – services, planning|split|Child care – Canada
Publisher:Canadian Paediatric Society
Place of Publication:Montréal
Date of Publication:2009
Abstract:
Child care services in Quebec have undergone a major transformation since 1997, when the government adopted its new family policy. One of the linchpins of this innovative policy was the setting up of a network of fixed-fee services for all children aged five years and younger, irrespective of family income. The network was intended to address the issue of work-family balance and to provide children, no matter what the financial status of their parents, with a preschool environment that fosters their social, emotional and cognitive development, and prepares them for entry into the school system.
More than 10 years later, what benefits can we detect from this investment in early childhood education and care? First, we observe a sharp rise in the number of children in regulated child care. There is also evidence that this attendance is having beneficial effects on the behaviour and cognitive development of the children. These benefits are particularly evident among vulnerable children. Second, available and affordable child care accompanied by a generous parental leave program my have had an impact on Quebec’s demographic profile: compared with the other provinces, Quebec has had the largest increase in its birth rate of the past five years. Furthermore, families have greatly benefited from Quebec’s child care model: the increased availability of spaces has facilitated mothers’ attendance at an educational institution or return to work.
Language:English
Material Type:Article
F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.07 CHILDREN/2009 quebec_early_childhood.pdf
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