The science is compelling: well-funded child development and parenting programs improve the physical, cognitive and social functioning of children and contribute to more pluralistic and democratic societies.  Integrated with labour, health, education and social services they outperform any other type of human capital investment. The verdict is in. The question is no longer if we should help prepare children for school and for life, but how. 

Putting Science into Action is about moving on a science-based policy framework for early child development in Canada. It is your opportunity to learn to use the latest research in your daily work from the best minds in their fields—experts in neuroscience, public policy, medicine, psychology, economics, education, community economic development and more. 

Discover how:

• Early experience shapes the architecture and function of the brain across the life cycle
• To identify cost-effective early childhood policies that promote developmental health
• Programs that are open to all reach vulnerable populations more effectively
• Private initiatives can leverage public policies and investments
• To use data analysis and reporting as a catalyst for change
• To join across jurisdictional and sectoral lines to advance an early childhood agenda

Connect in lively dialogue with other leaders who not only share your commitment to creating the best communities possible for children but shoulder similar responsibilities and confront the same problems. Find help with your policy and implementation challenges in small seminars and pre-arranged private meetings. Especially for practitioners, pre-conference workshops are an opportunity to build ideas and take home tools to use immediately.

Enjoy Maritime hospitality in the beautiful surroundings of Mount Allison University with other professional and community champions like yourself—innovators working in policy development and implementation; analysis and research; and, administration and advocacy from education, child care, health care, business and finance, mental health, early intervention, family support, social services and child welfare.