A NATIONAL SYSTEM:  Quality, Universally Inclusive, Accessible and Developmental Focus

"QUAD" refers  the four principles to guide the development of a national system of early childhood education and care:  Quality, Universally Inclusive, Accessible, and with a Developmental focus.  Human Early Learning Partnerships (from the University of British Columbia in collaboration with other BC colleges and universities, involving Clyde Hertzman, Hillel Goelman and Paul Kershaw) offers a summary of the relevant research behind each of the elements of "QUAD"
http://www.earlylearning.ubc.ca/documents/HELPs_QUAD_Research_Summary.pdf

BEST START in Ontario
The Ministry of Children and Youth Services offered a press release on March 11, stating that this plan is designed to prepare children for school so that they "will be ready to learn."  Learn more about this plan by linking onto the Ministry website below, and while you are doing that pat yourself on the back for your role in caring for and educating infants, toddlers and preschoolers who are already learning!
http://www.children.gov.on.ca/CS/en/newsRoom/newsReleases/050311.htm

TO BOLDLY GO ...
Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care
Taking the First Steps Towards A Comprehensive Child Care System in the 2005 Ontario Budget.  See the Coalition's recommendation for a 10 year strategy for developing an Ontario child care system that is community-based, non-profit, accessible, inclusive and non-compulsory; and which is delivered using a hub model of integrated services.
http://www.childcareontario.org/library/OCBCC_ONpre_budget05.pdf

The Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) is hosting "Child Care for a Change! Shaping the 21st Century" which will take place in Winnipeg, November 12th to 14th, 2004. For information and the materials presented at the conference go to:
http://www.ccsd.ca/subsites/childcare/

Supporting Children with Autism in Child Care Settings - a resource developed by the Early Intervention Task Force at Mount Saint Vincent University
http://www.msvu.ca/child_youth/coeei/work_autism_sample.asp

Checklist to Evaluate Children's Books that Address Disability as Part of Diversity
A http://www.circleofinclusion.org/english/books/section1/cklistblk.html

Perceptions of Quality Child Care: Final Report
Canadian Child Care Federation & Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada
Espey & Good Company (March 2003)
http://www.childcareadvocacy.ca/resources/pdf/ccaacccfpoll.pdf
note: you will need Acrobat Reader to view the document, get it for free at www.adobe.com

Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada
http://www.childcareadvocacy.ca/

Association of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario (AECEO)
http://www.cfc-efc.ca/aeceo

Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care
http://www.childcareontario.org/

Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services
http://www.cfcs.gov.on.ca/

Child Care Resource and Research Unit
http://www.childcarecanada.org

National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org

Canadian Child Care Federation
http://www.cccf-fcsge.ca/

Voices For Children
http://www.voices4children.org/