2012:01PU EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT TO MAXIMIZE POTENTIAL
Whereas 1
The National Council of Women of Canada has adopted policy on the welfare of children back to 1987, and updated this policy in 1992 (92.1PU), which called for the development of child care services and resources that would:
a. Be of high quality;
b. Be available and financially accessible to all Canadian children who need them;
c. Offer a range of services to allow for parental choice and the needs of individual families;
d. Be sensitive to the particular cultural requirements of Aboriginal and immigrant families; and
e. Meet the needs of children in their own homes as well as in child care facilities;
and,
Whereas 2
The National Council of Women of Canada adopted additional policy in 2000 (2000.1PU), which called for “parent resource centres,” early childhood educational opportunities, and group and family daycare;
and,
Whereas 3
Research into early childhood development shows that a child’s brain and gene expression are affected by their early experiences and environment, as well as by early treatment of inherited conditions;
and,
Whereas 4
A significant number of children at all levels of society are being deprived of the critical nurturing experiences necessary for optimal brain development;
and,
Whereas 5
Research shows that the emotional, physical, and nutritional development of a child depends on the parents’ ability to meet their needs;
and,
Whereas 6
The Government of Canada will be reviewing the Health Accord with the provinces and territories and updating it for renewal in 2014;
therefore, be it
Resolved 1
That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy early childhood development objectives which address the comprehensive needs of children to allow them to develop their full potential, to be included in any governmental agreements;
and be it further
Resolved 2
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to include in the renewed Health Accord planned for 2014 early childhood development objectives that address the comprehensive needs of children to allow them to develop their full potential;
and be it further
Resolved 3
That the National Council of Women of Canada request its Provincial and Local Councils of Women to urge their respective governments to include in the renewed Health Accord planned for 2014 early childhood objectives that address the comprehensive needs of children to allow them to develop their full potential.