EARLY LEARNING AND CARE HUBS DEVELOPMENT

The core functions that should be available at the Hub as defined by MCYS – page 17: Addendum to the Implementation Planning Guidelines for Best Start Networks – System Integration

  • Access to flexible programs available at times that meet parents’ needs
  • Provision of information on parenting and community programs that promote healthy child development and early learning
  • Support parents on healthy child development
  • Quality Child Care
  • Early and on-going screening of all children to enhance their developmental health and well being
  • Provision of referrals to specialized community services for those children identified with potential issues, needs and risks

As indicated in the core services of the Manitoulin-Sudbury Best Start Initiative Phase One Integrated Implementation Plan, Hubs should also develop links with specialized services forchildren and families requiring additional support, including:

  • Screening and Assessment: Communication and Social/Emotional Issues(page 15)
  • Public Health(page 18)
  • Nutrition Programs(page 18)
  • Parenting Programs & supports (page 15)
  • Child Care – early learning programs for children from 0-6 years – and available to children over 6 years old (before and after school programs)
  • JK/SK(page 17)
  • Preschool Speech and Language(page 16)
  • Infant Hearing (page 17)
  • Coordination of access to specialized services at the hub locations(page 13)

Criteria for selecting sites can include:

  • Location
  • no less than one hub in each of our four regions(page 10)
  • in or near an elementary school, or other centrallocation which would be easily accessible to the wholecommunity, including those areas most in need
  • in schools where children’s services (JK/SK, licensed child care) already exist(page 10)
  • recognition of EDI and community demographics(page 10)
  • factor in the priority for under serviced areas based on the CSI (community services inventory)(page 10)
  • “Schools First”
  • It is important to recognize the “Schools First” policy and schools maybe the most appropriate sites, however, the Hub should be developedto meet the needs of the community, so there may be other locationsthat are more suitable or accessible.
  • The primary goal is to help children enter school ready to learn, so thisshould be considered when choosing the most appropriate site.
  • Physical space
  • determination of capacity to accommodate thePrograms and services that are to be delivered and ensure thatit meets current building, health and safety codes, including firerequirements (alarm / sprinkler systems).
  • Accessibility
  • for families and children with disabilities
  • Cultural needs
  • providing services to meet the need offrancophone and aboriginal populations, as needed(page 10)
  • Financial Resources
  • required to upgrade site