The following Motion is set to be moved in the PEI Legislature at some point in the yet to be determined future. This is a positive sign, however let's not forget that such a Motion is not a substitute for developing an updated Early Years Strategy for the Island.
Now that support for the Early Years is set to be affirmed let's get going with the true strategic work. We must remember that putting children and families first takes more than words it requires solid action with measurable outcomes.
MOTION
No. 69
Support for the Early Years
Honourable Gerard Greenan gives notice that tomorrow he will move, seconded by Paula Biggar, the following Motion:
WHEREAS learning begins at conception and the most rapid period of brain development happens in the first three years of life;
AND WHEREAS
trajectories are set in the early years for health, learning and behaviour in later life;
AND WHEREAS
literacy and learning is impacted by early experiences, and children’s outcomes at the age of three can predict later school success;
AND WHEREAS
the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is working closely with community partners to create a continuum of high quality learning services that begin in the important early years;
AND WHEREAS
according to Statistics Canada, parents have less time to spend with their children than ever before;
AND WHEREAS
in Prince Edward Island, 80 per cent of mothers with children age 0-5 are in the labor force, the highest in Canada;
AND WHEREAS
in Prince Edward Island, there are many excellent early childhood education centres that offer high quality care and learning opportunities for young children;
AND WHEREAS
the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is working with partners to develop broad family policy that supports the healthy development of children and supports parents in the home, workplace and community;
AND WHEREAS
many partners are involved in the “Take 30 for the Family” program which promotes the importance of spending daily time together as a family and encourages business and community partners to develop family friendly policies;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
that educators, employers, community leaders and all Islanders support initiatives that give children a healthy start in life and provide parents with the supports they need to perform their most important role.
Signed by: Honourable Gerard Greenan
Signed by: Paula Biggar
12 November 2008
2:00 p.m.
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