The reorganization of early childhood and family support services is indispensable to the success of new public policy initiatives.
Research indicates that it is harder to integrate than start new programs.* Service integration is not a cost-saving exercise. It is designed to use existing resources more effectively to the benefit of children and families. It also provides a solid foundation for new investments.
Early childhood programs must be holistic and available and include the core functions of child development, non-parental care, and parenting involvement and support.
Specialized services are most effective when wrapped around a core system of universally accessible early childhood, and parenting centres.
The benefits for children at risk because of social or developmental delays are limited if problems are not identified until after they have become biologically embedded or there is no site to deliver the interventions.
*Corter, C., Bertrand, J., Pelletier, J., Griffin, T., McKay, D., Patel, S., & Ioannone, P. (2006). Evidence-based Understanding of Integrated Foundations for Early Childhood. Toronto, ON: Atkinson Centre at OISE/UT
