Early Child Development as a Determinant of Health
It is well recognized that the early years are critical and have a significant impact on the eventual health and well-being of adults. Healthy child development is a key "determinant of health."The National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health (NCCDH) has been working to synthesize, translate and exchange knowledge about early child development (ECD) as a determinant of health.
Work To Date
Environmental Scan: In the summer of 2008, three facilitated Canada-wide focus groups with front-line practitioners, policy-makers and partners were conducted in Newfoundland, Manitoba and British Columbia. Participants were interviewed to identify priority issues in early child development. A report containing the description of the findings is in-development.
Early Child Development: A Powerful Equalizer Knowledge Network Report - The World Health Organization Commission on the Social Determinants of Health Early Child Development Knowledge Network produced a comprehensive overview report entitled "Early Child Development: A Powerful Equalizer". This report describes the "Total Environment Assessment Model of Early Child Development" (TEAM-ECD), a model which the NCCDH is exploring in its work in the area of early child development and home visiting. The NCCDH produced a summary version of this report which can be found here.
Upcoming Work
Our work to date has provided us with a clear direction to continue exploring early child development as a determinant of health in the upcoming year. Continue to watch this space throughout 2009/10 as we:
Further Reading