Overview of the Best Start Initiative  Best Start is a comprehensive, evidence-based early learning and care strategy designed to help give Ontario’s children the best possible start in life and help them achieve success in school.  Best Start is a major redesign of services in terms of how children and families are supported from birth through to Grade 1.  Planning and implementation will be done in phases at the local/community level.

Best Start is distinct from other initiatives in that it:  will help parents and families – regardless of individual economic or social circumstances  responds to the clear message from communities that Ontario needs more integrated accessible services for young children and families  strengthens, enhances, builds on and integrates existing programs and services – rather than creating new structures or organizations

 Asks all existing organizations that provide services for children from the prenatal stage through to Grade 1 to share their expertise, and plan together.  Is community driven: The types of services and service targets/outcomes are set by the provincial government, but the planning for how those services will be delivered and integrated will be done by the communities.

Key Features of Best Start At the community level, key features of Best Start are: Childcare expansion in and around Schools The establishment of neighbourhood Early Learning and Care Hubs that provide a range of integrated services and supports for families with young children.

Key Strategies of Best Start 1.Establish Best Start Networks responsible for planning and implementing Best Start in their communities. 2. Create neighbourhood Early Learning and Care Hubs that provide integrated services and supports for families with young children. 3. Support flexible implementation strategies that make sense for communities. 4. Create an integrated early learning and care program combining preschool, JK and SK with high quality childcare during non-school hours. 5. Create more licensed childcare spaces and assist more families in need with childcare costs.

Best Start Planning and Implementation Best Start is 100% funded and led by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Implementation will take 10+ years and will be accomplished in phases. How are we going to get there?  Phase 1 (over the next 5 years) has two key components: –A major expansion of child care for children enrolled in Junior and Senior Kindergarten across the province during the non-school hours –Three demonstration projects that will fast-forward the 10+ year vision. – Hamilton – Lambton-Kent - Timiskaming

Other components to Phase 1: –Panel on Early Learning Program –Panel on Quality and Human Resources –Panel on the 18 month well baby check-up –Enhancements for Healthy Babies, Healthy Children –Restored service levels for Pre-School Speech and Language/Infant Hearing –Establishment of the College of Early Childhood Educators –Immediate flexibility and eligibility requirements for child care fee subsidies. This includes changes to the eligible hours policy and RRSP/RESP policies –Move to a sliding scale income test to determine eligibility for child care –Measurement for progress and results using the Early Development Instrument Phase 2: Will introduce the 10+ year vision across all communities

Schools First Policy THE GOAL OF BEST START is to help children enter school ready to learn: Therefore, schools are seen as most appropriate sites for child care and early learning hubs and… The first choice for expansion of child care spaces If it is determined that child care is not to be located in schools: Then the community plan must provide rationale as to why and how linkages to an elementary school or to a family of schools will be maintained.

Best Start: Hub Model Design Hubs are neighbourhood early learning and care hubs that provide integrated services and supports for families with young children. Hubs represent Best Start on the ground, in communities. Hub model design is central to Best Start planning in your community.

Who is developing the Best Start plans? Best Start Networks are developing plans for Best Start in their communities. Network composition varies, but most include:  District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs)  Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS)  School Boards  Health Units  Other providers of children’s services 0-6.

Community Consultations Community consultations are a key component of the Best Start planning process. Parents and other key stakeholders are invited to provide input and advice to Best Start Networks on the preferred hub model for their communities.

Outcome of Planning Process By January , Best Start Networks will have developed Integrated Plans for Best Start in their communities. These plans will identify community needs, existing services and the preferred model for implementation of Best Start.

Core Functions of Hubs  Assessments for problems or delays with all aspects of early child development.  Access to a wide range of early learning and care services for children and parents.  For children who need more specialized services, referral to services linked to the hub.  Access to flexible programs for parents available at times that meet their needs.

Children’s Treatment Developmental Services Children’s Mental Health Child Welfare Core Functions Screening & Assessment: Communication and Social/Emotional Issues Public Health Nutrition Programs Parenting Programs Child Care Pre-School JK/SK Preschool speech and language Infant Hearing Program Recreation Programs Functions of Early Learning and Care Hubs

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Screening and Assessment:  Includes programs that are designed to identify possible barriers to early learning, e.g. speech delays or hearing problems.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions OEYCs/Family Resource Programs:  These programs offer a welcoming environment where parents/caregivers and children can share and learn from each other.  Support and information are provided to parents/caregivers in the area of child growth and development.  Programs geared to different cultural needs are available in certain areas.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Literacy:  Includes programs that focus on the importance and pleasures of reading.  Introduces children to the world of books and encourages them to use their imagination through the use of stories, songs, etc…  These programs help parents learn practical ways to take an active role in developing their child’s early language and literacy skills.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Preschool Speech and Language:  These programs provide speech and language services to help improve children’s communication.  Assessment and therapy.  Available in French and English

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Preschool:  These programs offer opportunities for preschoolers to learn while playing by providing a rich environment in which they can explore and experiment while interacting with other children.  School readiness is a major component.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Parenting Programs:  A wide variety of programs that cover a variety of topics related to child rearing and parenting in supportive group settings.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Child Care:  Licensed centre-based child care facilities provide preschool programs in an educational environment.  Before and after school licensed care for children 4 to 12 years.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Special Needs:  These programs offer a variety of support services for families with children with special needs. Example:  Specially trained professionals work with children, parents, child care centres and community agencies to assist with the successful integration of children with special needs into child care programs.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions JK/SK  Children are given opportunities to explore, solve problems and interact with others.  Intellectual stimulation, development, social/emotional development and self-discipline are all emphasized.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Public Health  Programs that promote health through education. Some programs offer assessment and counseling, while others provide information and resources to help clients make healthy choices.  Immunization programs.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Nutrition Programs:  Most of the nutrition programs available provide breakfast and snacks to children attending elementary schools.  Some programs provide meals and health education to expecting and new parents.

Definition/Examples of Core Functions Recreation Programs:  A wide variety of programs that provide opportunities for physical activities and that promote health. Examples:  Playground Programs, YMCA Programs

Considerations in Planning Hub Models Currently there is a wide range of services and supports for children 0-6 and their families, funded by different ministries and levels of government. These services and supports must be integrated and/or coordinated so that hubs can provide the core functions.

Considerations in Planning Hub Models The major funders of these services and supports include:  The Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) - directly and indirectly (child care/resource centres) through DSSABs/CMSMs.  The Ministry of Education  The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care  The Federal Government. The MCYS children’s system includes a broad array of core hub and specialized services.

Children’s Mental Health MCYS Child Welfare 34 CMH providers 9 Children’s Aid Societies Developmental Services Access Mechanisms Nutrition Programs Healthy Babies Healthy Children Preschool Speech & Language Ontario Early Years Centres MCYS Funded Children’s Services System Other community supports 21 Providers 4 providers 7 providers – under development 7 providers 24 Providers SSAH/ ACSD Children’s Treatment Centres 4 Providers3 providers Total MCYS Investment Children’s Services North Region: $212,167,723 – 68 providers (Note: many agencies deliver multiple programs)

MCYS Targeted Funding 0-6 Services North Region OEYCs Infant Development O-6 Mental Health Autism HBHC Preschool Speech and Language $5,614,277 $2,554,401 $1,265,589 $4,239,438 $4,091,080 $3,245,968

Children’s Treatment Core Functions Screening & Assessment: Communication and Social/Emotional Issues Public Health Nutrition Programs Parenting Programs Child Care Pre-School JK/SK Preschool speech and language Infant Hearing Program Recreation Programs Core Hub Functions Currently Being Provided HBHC (MCYS) Infant Hearing (MCYS) SPAs (MCYS) DS services (MCYS) OEYCs (MCYS) Health Promotion Programs Immunization (MOH) Student Nourishment Program (MCYS) Public Health (MOH) CAPC/CPNP (Fed Govt) CMH (MCYS) CAS (MCYS) OEYCs (MCYS) HBHC (MCYS) Resource Centres (DSSABs/MCYS) CAPC (Fed Govt ) Child care providers (DSSAB Nursery Schools Resource Centres (DSSAB/MCYS) CAPC (Fed Govt) School Boards (EDU) Public health (MCYS) CTCs (MCYS) CCACs (MOH) ISNC (MCYS) Stand-alone program (MCYS) Public Health (MCYS) Stand-alone program (MCYS) Various programs/funders

Children’s Treatment Developmental Services Children’s Mental Health Child Welfare Core Functions Screening & Assessment: Communication and Social/Emotional Issues Public Health Nutrition Programs Parenting Programs Child Care Pre-School JK/SK Preschool speech and language Infant Hearing Program Recreation Programs OT (s) PT (s) Speech (s) Rehab and supportive services (s) Respite (In and out of Home) (s) Residential (s) Autism 0-6 (s) Clinical Assessments (s) Infant Development 0-6 (s) Parenting programs (c) Child and family interventions (s) CMH 0-18 (individual, family, group, residential) (s) CMH 0-6 (s) Section 20s (s) Parenting Programs (c) Child protection (s) Adoption (s) Family/child support (s) Residential services (s) Core Hub Functions and Specialized Services Currently Being Provided Legend: s – specialized services c – core hub services

Towards a Hub Model: Community Visioning

Key Principles for Hub Model Design Hubs will: Be community-based, highly visible and easy for families to access – situated close to where families live. Be welcoming/inviting to all families and non- stigmatizing – universal access. Be culturally and linguistically sensitive to the communities they serve (e.g. Aboriginal, Francophone).

Offer one-stop shopping for families – access to a full range of services, supports and information. Be flexible in terms of when families/children can access services and supports, what services they can access and how they access them (tell story once). Support “best practices” services, supports and information for children 0-6 and their families.

Provide outreach to families at risk. Ensure that services are integrated across systems and that hubs serve family needs, not organizational needs. Have clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the service providers involved in the hub and clearly defined accountabilities, including feedback loops to the communities they serve.

Community Visioning

The importance of Vision:  A vision should be the glue that holds everyone together in a group, organization or movement.  A vision must include a clear picture of the power of everyone’s role in making that change happen.  A vision can set in motion the energy needed for its own attainment

Best Start: Hub Model Design Hubs are neighbourhood early learning and care hubs that provide integrated services and supports for families with young children. Hubs represent Best Start on the ground, in communities. Hub model design is central to Best Start planning in your community.

Who is developing the Best Start plans? Network composition varies, but most include: District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs) Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) School Boards Health Units Other providers of children’s services 0-6.

Integrated Plan It is a conceptual model: Essentially Networks are agreeing to spend the next three years planning in more detail: “Planning to plan.”

Community Consultations Community consultations are a key component of the Best Start planning process. Parents and other key stakeholders are invited to provide input and advice to Best Start Networks on the preferred hub model for their communities Some have already taken place, in September, October and in November

Outcome of Planning Process By January , Best Start Networks will have developed Integrated Plans for Best Start in their communities. These plans will identify community needs, existing services and the preferred model for implementation of Best Start.

Towards a Hub Model: Community Visioning Key Principles for Hub Model Design:Key Principles for Hub Model Design: Be community-based, highly visible and easy for families to access – situated close to where families live.Be community-based, highly visible and easy for families to access – situated close to where families live. Be welcoming/inviting to all families and non-stigmatizing – universal access. Have a person/coordinator to coordinate servicesBe welcoming/inviting to all families and non-stigmatizing – universal access. Have a person/coordinator to coordinate services Be culturally and linguistically sensitive to the communities they serve (e.g. Aboriginal, Francophone).Be culturally and linguistically sensitive to the communities they serve (e.g. Aboriginal, Francophone). Offer one-stop shopping for families – access to a full range of services, supports and information.Offer one-stop shopping for families – access to a full range of services, supports and information. Be flexible in terms of when families/children can access services and supports, what services they can access and how they access them (tell story once).Be flexible in terms of when families/children can access services and supports, what services they can access and how they access them (tell story once).

Key Principles for Hub Model Design: Support “best practices” services, supports and information for children 0-6 and their families. Provide outreach to families at risk. Ensure that services are integrated across systems and that hubs serve family needs, not organizational needs. Have clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the service providers involved in the hub and clearly defined accountabilities, including feedback loops to the communities they serve.

Community Visioning What will the criteria be to decide where the hubs go? Centrally located/Easy Access Other Where will hubs be created? Schools Libraries Community Centres OEYCs

Community Visioning Hub location should also be based on other factors such as Culture Language Parent’s needs Distance to homes, work, schools and child care settings Availability and security of suitable space be it in schools or other community settings

Visioning Exercise Questions How can we ensure that hubs are visible, easily accessible and welcoming to all parents? How can existing access and early years functions be effectively integrated with the Best Start hubs? How should other programs and services (specialized services) that need to be linked with the hubs be coordinated? In your view, what do we need to do to make the hub model work for children and families in your community? What are the most important issues we need to attend to? What are the most significant barriers to accomplishing Best Start? What are the strategies to address those barriers?

VISION IF YOU CAN DREAM IT! YOU CAN DO IT!

Keep Visioning! Walt Disney – (Disney World and Epcot Centre) Walt Disney died in Soon after the completion of Disney World someone said, “Isn’t it too bad that Walt didn’t live to see this!” Mike Vance, creative director of Disney Studios replied, “He did see it – that’s why it’s here.”