Early Years Study Final Report: Reversing the Real Brain Drain

The Ontario government established the Early Years Study in 1998 to provide options and recommendations with respect to the best ways of preparing Ontario children for scholastic, career, and social success, and to collaborative service models for early learning for children. This final report of that Study begins with a review of the key points concerning the development of the brain and early child development, along with the effects of the early years on learning, behaviour, and health throughout life. Chapter 2 reviews the socio-economic context and changes affecting families and children. Chapter 3 examines how well Ontario's youngest children are doing in light of the new understanding of early brain development and its effects, and in light of pressures on families with children. Indicators examined include incidence of low birthweight, socio-economic status, academic achievement, and prevalence of learning difficulties. Chapter 4 reviews Ontario support programs for children in their early years and assesses the mismatch between government investment in such programs and the need for early years support. Chapter 5 discusses the strength and experience of community initiatives in early child development programs in Ontario. Chapter 6 sets out a vision for an early child development and parenting framework to improve outcomes in the early years for children in all sectors of society. The final chapter makes 11 recommendations to make Ontario the best place in North America to raise children.