BEST START

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BEST START COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
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Overview of the Best Start Initiative

• Best Start is a comprehensive, evidence-based
  early learning and care strategy designed to help
  give Ontarios children the best possible start
  in life and help them achieve success in school.
• Best Start is a major redesign of services in
  terms of how children and families are supported
  from birth through to Grade 1.
• Planning and implementation will be done in
  phases at the local/community level.

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Best Start is distinct from other initiatives in
that it

• will help parents and families regardless of
  individual economic or social circumstances
• responds to the clear message from communities
  that Ontario needs more integrated accessible
  services for young children and families
• strengthens, enhances, builds on and integrates
  existing programs and services rather than
  creating new structures or organizations

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• Asks all existing organizations that provide
  services for children from the prenatal stage
  through to Grade 1 to share their expertise, and
  plan together.
• Is community driven
• The types of services and service
  targets/outcomes are set by the provincial
  government, but the planning for how those
  services will be delivered and integrated will be
  done by the communities.

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Key Features of Best Start

• At the community level, key features of Best
  Start are
• Childcare expansion in and around Schools
• The establishment of neighbourhood Early Learning
  and Care Hubs that provide a range of integrated
  services and supports for families with young
  children.

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Key Strategies of Best Start

• 1.Establish Best Start Networks responsible for
  planning and implementing Best Start in their
  communities.
• 2. Create neighbourhood Early Learning and Care
  Hubs that provide integrated services and
  supports for families with young children.
• 3. Support flexible implementation strategies
  that make sense for communities.
• 4. Create an integrated early learning and care
  program combining preschool, JK and SK with high
  quality childcare during non-school hours.
• 5. Create more licensed childcare spaces and
  assist more families in need with childcare
  costs.

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Best Start Planning and Implementation

• Best Start is 100 funded and led by the Ministry
  of Children and Youth Services.
• Implementation will take 10 years and will be
  accomplished in phases.
• How are we going to get there?
• Phase 1 (over the next 5 years) has two key
  components
• A major expansion of child care for children
  enrolled in Junior and Senior Kindergarten across
  the province during the non-school hours
• Three demonstration projects that will
  fast-forward the 10 year vision. Hamilton
  Lambton-Kent - Timiskaming

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Other components to Phase 1

• Panel on Early Learning Program
• Panel on Quality and Human Resources
• Panel on the 18 month well baby check-up
• Enhancements for Healthy Babies, Healthy Children
  
• Restored service levels for Pre-School Speech and
  Language/Infant Hearing
• Establishment of the College of Early Childhood
  Educators
• Immediate flexibility and eligibility
  requirements for child care fee subsidies. This
  includes changes to the eligible hours policy and
  RRSP/RESP policies
• Move to a sliding scale income test to determine
  eligibility for child care
• Measurement for progress and results using the
  Early Development Instrument
• Phase 2 Will introduce the 10 year vision
  across all communities

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Schools First Policy

• THE GOAL OF BEST START is to help children enter
  school ready to learn
• Therefore, schools are seen as most appropriate
  sites for child care and early learning hubs and
• The first choice for expansion of child care
  spaces
• If it is determined that child care is not to be
  located in schools
• Then the community plan must provide rationale
  as to why and how linkages to an elementary
  school or to a family of schools will be
  maintained.

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Best Start Hub Model Design

• Hubs are neighbourhood early learning and care
  hubs that provide integrated services and
  supports for families with young children.
• Hubs represent Best Start on the ground, in
  communities.
• Hub model design is central to Best Start
  planning in your community.

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Who is developing the Best Start plans?

• Best Start Networks are developing plans for Best
  Start in their communities.
• Network composition varies, but most include
• District Social Services Administration Boards
  (DSSABs)
• Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS)
• School Boards
• Health Units
• Other providers of childrens services 0-6.

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Community Consultations

• Community consultations are a key component of
  the Best Start planning process.
• Parents and other key stakeholders are invited to
  provide input and advice to Best Start Networks
  on the preferred hub model for their
  communities.

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Outcome of Planning Process

• By January 31 2006, Best Start Networks will have
  developed Integrated Plans for Best Start in
  their communities.
• These plans will identify community needs,
  existing services and the preferred model for
  implementation of Best Start.

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Core Functions of Hubs

• Assessments for problems or delays with all
  aspects of early child development.
• Access to a wide range of early learning and care
  services for children and parents.
• For children who need more specialized services,
  referral to services linked to the hub.
• Access to flexible programs for parents available
  at times that meet their needs.

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Functions of Early Learning and Care Hubs
Childrens Treatment
Neighbourhood Connections
Early Learning and Care Hub
Childrens Treatment
Childrens Mental Health
Core Functions Screening Assessment
Communication and Social/Emotional Issues Public
Health Nutrition Programs Parenting
Programs Child Care Pre-School JK/SK Preschool
speech and language Infant Hearing
Program Recreation Programs
Developmental Services
Child Welfare
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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Screening and Assessment
• Includes programs that are designed to identify
  possible barriers to early learning, e.g. speech
  delays or hearing problems.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• OEYCs/Family Resource Programs
• These programs offer a welcoming environment
  where parents/caregivers and children can share
  and learn from each other.
• Support and information are provided to
  parents/caregivers in the area of child growth
  and development.
• Programs geared to different cultural needs are
  available in certain areas.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Literacy
• Includes programs that focus on the importance
  and pleasures of reading.
• Introduces children to the world of books and
  encourages them to use their imagination through
  the use of stories, songs, etc
• These programs help parents learn practical ways
  to take an active role in developing their
  childs early language and literacy skills.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Preschool Speech and Language
• These programs provide speech and language
  services to help improve childrens
  communication.
• Assessment and therapy.
• Available in French and English

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Preschool
• These programs offer opportunities for
  preschoolers to learn while playing by
  providing a rich environment in which they can
  explore and experiment while interacting with
  other children.
• School readiness is a major component.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Parenting Programs
• A wide variety of programs that cover a variety
  of topics related to child rearing and parenting
  in supportive group settings.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Child Care
• Licensed centre-based child care facilities
  provide preschool programs in an educational
  environment.
• Before and after school licensed care for
  children 4 to 12 years.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Special Needs
• These programs offer a variety of support
  services for families with children with special
  needs.
• Example
• Specially trained professionals work with
  children, parents, child care centres and
  community agencies to assist with the successful
  integration of children with special needs into
  child care programs.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• JK/SK
• Children are given opportunities to explore,
  solve problems and interact with others.
• Intellectual stimulation, development,
  social/emotional development and self-discipline
  are all emphasized.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Public Health
• Programs that promote health through education.
  Some programs offer assessment and counseling,
  while others provide information and resources to
  help clients make healthy choices.
• Immunization programs.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Nutrition Programs
• Most of the nutrition programs available provide
  breakfast and snacks to children attending
  elementary schools.
• Some programs provide meals and health education
  to expecting and new parents.

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Definition/Examples of Core Functions

• Recreation Programs
• A wide variety of programs that provide
  opportunities for physical activities and that
  promote health.
• Examples
• Playground Programs, YMCA Programs

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Considerations in Planning Hub Models

• Currently there is a wide range of services and
  supports for children 0-6 and their families,
  funded by different ministries and levels of
  government.
• These services and supports must be integrated
  and/or coordinated so that hubs can provide the
  core functions.

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Considerations in Planning Hub Models

• The major funders of these services and supports
  include
• The Ministry of Children and Youth Services
  (MCYS) - directly and indirectly (child
  care/resource centres) through DSSABs/CMSMs.
• The Ministry of Education
• The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
• The Federal Government.
• The MCYS childrens system includes a broad array
  of core hub and specialized services.

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MCYS Funded Childrens Services System
Childrens Treatment Centres
Nutrition Programs
4 Providers
3 providers
Access Mechanisms
Preschool Speech Language
7 providers under development
4 providers
MCYS
Healthy Babies Healthy Children
Ontario Early Years Centres
4 providers
7 providers
SSAH/ ACSD
Developmental Services
Other community supports
21 Providers
24 Providers
Childrens Mental Health
Child Welfare
Total MCYS Investment Childrens Services North
Region 212,167,723 68 providers (Note many
agencies deliver multiple programs)
34 CMH providers
9 Childrens Aid Societies
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MCYS Targeted Funding 0-6 Services North Region

• OEYCs
• Infant Development
• O-6 Mental Health
• Autism
• HBHC
• Preschool Speech and Language

• 5,614,277
• 2,554,401
• 1,265,589
• 4,239,438
• 4,091,080
• 3,245,968

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Core Hub Functions Currently Being Provided
Childrens Treatment
Health Promotion Programs Immunization (MOH)
HBHC (MCYS) Infant Hearing (MCYS) SPAs (MCYS) DS
services (MCYS) OEYCs (MCYS)
Neighbourhood Connections
Early Learning and Care Hub
CMH (MCYS) CAS (MCYS) OEYCs (MCYS) HBHC
(MCYS) Resource Centres (DSSABs/MCYS) CAPC (Fed
Govt)
Student Nourishment Program (MCYS) Public Health
(MOH) CAPC/CPNP (Fed Govt)
Core Functions Screening Assessment
Communication and Social/Emotional Issues Public
Health Nutrition Programs Parenting
Programs Child Care Pre-School JK/SK Preschool
speech and language Infant Hearing
Program Recreation Programs
Child care providers (DSSAB
Nursery Schools Resource Centres (DSSAB/MCYS) CAPC
(Fed Govt)
School Boards (EDU)
Public health (MCYS) CTCs (MCYS) CCACs (MOH) ISNC
(MCYS) Stand-alone program (MCYS)
Public Health (MCYS) Stand-alone program (MCYS)
Various programs/funders
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Core Hub Functions and Specialized Services
Currently Being Provided
Childrens Treatment
Childrens Treatment
Childrens Mental Health
Neighbourhood Connections
Early Learning and Care Hub

• Parenting programs (c)
• Child and family interventions (s)
• CMH 0-18
• (individual, family, group, residential) (s)
• CMH 0-6 (s)
• Section 20s (s)

• OT (s)
• PT (s)
• Speech (s)
• Rehab and
• supportive services (s)

Core Functions Screening Assessment
Communication and Social/Emotional Issues Public
Health Nutrition Programs Parenting
Programs Child Care Pre-School JK/SK Preschool
speech and language Infant Hearing
Program Recreation Programs
Developmental Services
Child Welfare

• Respite (In and out of Home) (s)
• Residential (s)
• Autism 0-6 (s)
• Clinical Assessments (s)
• Infant Development 0-6 (s)

• Parenting Programs (c)
• Child protection (s)
• Adoption (s)
• Family/child support (s)
• Residential services (s)

Legend s specialized services c core hub
services
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Towards a Hub ModelCommunity Visioning
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Key Principles for Hub Model Design

• Hubs will
• Be community-based, highly visible and easy for
  families to access situated close to where
  families live.
• Be welcoming/inviting to all families and
  non-stigmatizing universal access.
• Be culturally and linguistically sensitive to the
  communities they serve (e.g. Aboriginal,
  Francophone).

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• Offer one-stop shopping for families access to
  a full range of services, supports and
  information.
• Be flexible in terms of when families/children
  can access services and supports, what services
  they can access and how they access them (tell
  story once).
• Support best practices services, supports and
  information for children 0-6 and their families.

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• Provide outreach to families at risk.
• Ensure that services are integrated across
  systems and that hubs serve family needs, not
  organizational needs.
• Have clearly defined roles and responsibilities
  for the service providers involved in the hub and
  clearly defined accountabilities, including
  feedback loops to the communities they serve.

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Community Visioning
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The importance of Vision ?A vision should be
the glue that holds everyone together in a
group, organization or movement. ?A vision
must include a clear picture of the power of
everyones role in making that change
happen. ?A vision can set in motion the energy
needed for its own attainment
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The importance of Vision ?A vision should be
the glue that holds everyone together in a
group, organization or movement. ?A vision
must include a clear picture of the power of
everyones role in making that change
happen. ?A vision can set in motion the energy
needed for its own attainment
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Best Start Hub Model Design
Hubs are neighbourhood early learning and care
hubs that provide integrated services and
supports for families with young children. Hubs
represent Best Start on the ground, in
communities. Hub model design is central to
Best Start planning in your community.
42
Who is developing the Best Start plans?

• Network composition varies, but most include
• District Social Services Administration
• Boards (DSSABs)
• Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS)
• School Boards
• Health Units
• Other providers of childrens services 0-6.

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Integrated Plan

• It is a conceptual model
• Essentially Networks are agreeing to spend the
  next three years planning in more detail
• Planning to plan.

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Community Consultations

• Community consultations are a key component of
  the Best Start planning process.
• Parents and other key stakeholders are invited to
  provide input and advice to Best Start Networks
  on the preferred hub model for their communities
• Some have already taken place, in September,
  October and in November

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Outcome of Planning Process

• By January 31 2006, Best Start Networks will have
  developed Integrated Plans for Best Start in
  their communities.
• These plans will identify community needs,
  existing services and the preferred model for
  implementation of Best Start.

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Towards a Hub Model Community Visioning

• Key Principles for Hub Model Design
• Be community-based, highly visible and easy for
  families to access situated close to where
  families live.
• Be welcoming/inviting to all families and
  non-stigmatizing universal access. Have a
  person/coordinator to coordinate services
• Be culturally and linguistically sensitive to the
  communities they serve (e.g. Aboriginal,
  Francophone).
• Offer one-stop shopping for families access to
  a full range of services, supports and
  information.
• Be flexible in terms of when families/children
  can access services and supports, what services
  they can access and how they access them (tell
  story once).

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Key Principles for Hub Model Design

• Support best practices services, supports and
  information for children 0-6 and their families.
• Provide outreach to families at risk.
• Ensure that services are integrated across
  systems and that hubs serve family needs, not
  organizational needs.
• Have clearly defined roles and responsibilities
  for the service providers involved in the hub and
  clearly defined accountabilities, including
  feedback loops to the communities they serve.

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Community Visioning

• What will the criteria be to decide where the
  hubs go?
• Centrally located/Easy Access
• Other
• Where will hubs be created?
• Schools
• Libraries
• Community Centres
• OEYCs

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Community Visioning

• Hub location should also be based on other
  factors such as
• Culture
• Language
• Parents needs
• Distance to homes, work, schools and child care
  settings
• Availability and security of suitable space be it
  in schools or other community settings

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Visioning Exercise Questions

• How can we ensure that hubs are visible, easily
  accessible and welcoming to all parents?
• How can existing access and early years functions
  be effectively integrated with the Best Start
  hubs?
• How should other programs and services
  (specialized services) that need to be linked
  with the hubs be coordinated?
• In your view, what do we need to do to make the
  hub model work for children and families in your
  community?
• What are the most important issues we need to
  attend to?
• What are the most significant barriers to
  accomplishing Best Start?
• What are the strategies to address those
  barriers?

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VISIONIF YOU CANDREAM IT!YOU CANDO IT!
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Keep Visioning!

• Walt Disney (Disney World and Epcot Centre)
• Walt Disney died in 1966. Soon after the
  completion of Disney World someone said, Isnt
  it too bad that Walt didnt live to see this!
• Mike Vance, creative director of Disney Studios
  replied, He did see it thats why its here.