Developmental Health

Research

We regularly produce, analyze, assess and map the results of research regarding Early Years programs and services in Guelph and Wellington County.

  • Early Development Instrument (EDI) – the EDI is a population-based measure carried out every three years in partnership with local school boards to collect information about the learning readiness of senior kindergarten students. The results reflect children's early experiences and can be used to plan, improve and enhance services for both preschool and school-aged children. For more information please visit the Offord Centre website. The 2006 Guelph and Wellington County EDI results are available in the Well-Being of Children Ages Birth to Six: A Report Card for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph in Chapter 7 (http://www.wdgreportcard.com/). The 2009 EDI results will soon be available.
  • Kindergarten Parent Survey (KPS) – in partnership with local school boards and other agencies, we survey the parents of the senior kindergarten children who have been assessed with the above mentioned EDI to further learn about their children's early environment and experiences. The KPS questionnaire asks parents about their children's health status, child care experiences, demographic background, family and neighbourhood environment and prior school experiences. The 2006 KPS results are also reported on in the Well-Being of Children Ages Birth to Six: A Report Card for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (http://www.wdgreportcard.com/). The 2009 KPS results will soon be available.
  • Early Years Community Services Inventory (EYCSI) – we have surveyed agencies who offer Early Years services to identify strengths and gaps in the programs offered. The last inventory was completed in 2005. The full report and an executive summary are available for review.
  • New Report! The Well-Being of Children Ages 7 to 13: A Report Card for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph – The Report Card helps to raise the profile of children in our communities by examining and reporting on the state of their health, development and over-all well-being.  The Report Card was developed by the WDG Report Card Coalition, a committe with representation from agencies serving children and their families, across the three communities.  Also available: The Well-Being of Children Ages Birth to 6. View the full reports here.
  • Ontario Early Years Centre Evaluation – We completed an evaluation of all our activities and programs in the fall of 2008. The final report is now available for review. Visit the Family Resource Program Association of Canada E-valuation website for more information.

For more information call 519-821-6638 x348 or email lbestari@guelphchc.ca