CONFERENCE

Putting Science into Action:
Equity from the Start Through Early Child Development
SACKVILLE, NEW BRUNSWICK MAY 13 – 15, 2009
Featuring international experts from Sweden, Australia, and Latin America plus renowned Canadian authorities from coast to coast.
A CONFERENCE LIKE NO OTHER
The Council for Early Child Development has brought together a national and international,
multi-disciplinary brain trust to not only answer the whys but provide the how to’s of
connecting the science, policy and practice of early child development into coherent,
doable actions.
Putting Science into Action offers more high level sessions, more cutting-edge
research, more best-practice strategies and more networking opportunities than you
will fi nd at any other gathering of its kind this year! If you want to change the world for
young children this is the place to be! It is the premier event for professional and
community champions -- innovators working in policy development and implementation;
analysis and research; and administration and advocacy from education, child care, health
care, fi nance, mental health, early intervention, family support, social services
and child welfare.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE
At Putting Science into Action not only will you hear from internationally renowned
thinkers; each panel presentation is followed by smaller roundtables hosted by the
experts where participants are able to go deep on issues of interest. Need
more time? Upon request, small in-camera conversations with speakers
can be arranged. The conference offers both formal and informal
venues for regional planning discussions and sectoral meetings
as well as opportunities for national networking.
And specially designed for program administrators and
practitioners, the event kicks off with hands-on sessions
loaded with practical advice on how to integrate early childhood
services in your community. Watch for pre-conference sessions
on Wednesday, May 13th, in the morning.
SAVE THIS DATE: REGISTER EARLY
Mark May 13th – 15th in your calendar. To accommodate the unique
design of this conference, spaces are limited. Registration begins in January
2009 for the reduced rate of $300. Check our website www.councilecd.ca in the new
year for the most up-to-date information on the conference program and registration.
THE SCIENCE IS WELL-ESTABLISHED.
A good beginning to life is the foundation for future
development, health and well-being. We recognise
the importance of the early years but why is the fi eld
so fragmented and lacking integration of research,
policy and practice?
In Canada
• Over one quarter of children start kindergarten
with challenges so entrenched many are at risk
of not graduating high school.
• Canada ranks 21st out of 30 OECD nations
in terms of infant mortality and 27th out of 29th
in childhood obesity.
• 70% of high school students report having
been physically assaulted.
• Four in ten adults do not have the literacy skills
necessary to adapt to the growth in knowledge
and technology that marks the 21st century.
• A stagnating birth rate means a stagnating
economy; by 2015 there will be more seniors
than children.
Did you know?
• Five year olds from low-income families in
Monterrey, Mexico are better prepared for school
than the average Canadian child.
• Infant mortality is recognized internationally as
an important health measure. Iceland has reduced
its rate to 2.4 deaths per 1,000 live births,
a benchmark for the world.
• Cuban schools report one-quarter the number
of fi ghts as other schools in Latin America.
• 34% of Sweden’s adult population performs
at top levels of literacy.
• Québec has reduced its rate of child and family
poverty by half; and turned its falling birth rate
and school test scores around.
WHY THE DIFFERENCE?
Children in Monterrey,
(Mexico), Iceland, Cuba,
Sweden and Québec
regularly attend early
childhood programs.
In Canada, outside
Québec, they do not.
JOIN US IN BEAUTIFUL SACKVILLE, NEW BRUNSWICK
Enjoy easy travel to Sackville, the landmark Mount Alison University and many nearby
cultural, entertainment and beach attractions.