Resources
Advocacy
Ten Reasons to Expand Public Kindergarten
Description: Most Canadian provinces and territories offer in school programming prior to kindergarten while universal preschool for four-year olds is offered in the Northwest Territories, Ontario, and Nova Scotia and is expanding in Quebec. This important paper highlights 10 key areas of research making the case for universal pre-kindergarten. Source: The Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation View
Federal
An Economic Overview of Children’s Literacy in Canada
Description: In a November 2020 report, Deloitte Canada makes the case that children’s literacy can play a critical role in Canada’s post-COVID-19 recovery. The report finds that too many Canadian children are still not receiving the literacy skills needed to succeed in later stages of life. Enhancing children’s literacy can play a role in reducing inequality, foster a more inclusive economic recovery and create a higher standard of living over the long-term. Source: Deloitte Canada View
Reports
Early Years Study 4: Thriving Kids, Thriving Society
Description: Produced by the Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation, Early Years Study 4 calls on government partners to offer early education to all preschool-aged children across Canada. The report notes that a movement towards early childhood education for all will require increased investments and concerted attention to ensure equitable access and a qualified and resourced workforce. The payoffs are priceless and economists have found returns of up to $6 for every dollar spent in the sector. Source: The Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation View
Education
The Explainer: Budget 2021 – Early Learning and Child Care
Description: This helpful explainer produced by the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development provides a high-level overview of key facts you need to know about the federal government’s recent investment in early childhood education. Source: The Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development View
Education
Early Childhood Education Report 2020
Description: The Early Childhood Education Report is released by the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development every three years and examines provincial and territorial early years services on a 15-point scale. Amongst other findings, the 2020 report analyzes a number of challenges facing the sector including unstable and inadequate funding, poor oversight, inequitable access, space shortages, unaffordable fees, gaps in services and transitions, and poor working conditions and remuneration for early childhood educators. Source: The Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development View
Reports
Early Learning and Childcare as Key Economic Infrastructure
Description: In March 2021, Deloitte Canada released a new report that makes the case for early learning and childcare. The report finds that these investments could help put Canada on a higher trend economic growth path. In fact, a high-quality system that provides education using a curriculum-based program delivered by trained educators will have significant benefits for children, parents and Canada’s labour force alike. Source: Deloitte Canada View
Federal