Abstract
Evidence suggests that our brains are shaped profoundly by experiences in early life, with long-lasting implications for development. This science has yet to make the leap to policy on early childhood development in Canada — a shortcoming that has left this country well behind other developed nations. The Pascal Report, released in June 2009, marks an historic opportunity to enact comprehensive early childhood education and care policy in Ontario. Properly implemented, it could serve as a model for such policy across the country. Its successful adoption will require sustained advocacy and ongoing research by the Canadian medical community.
Key words: Health policy, knowledge translation, pediatrics, public health
Résumé
L’ensemble des recherches suggère que nos cerveaux sont profondément influencés par nos expériences de première enfance, avec des effets durables sur le développement humain. Par contre, cette connaissance n’a pas encore fait le lien avec les politiques concernant le domaine du développement de la petite enfance au Canada — un manque qui nous laisse bien derrière autres pays développés. Le rapport Pascal, publié en juin 2009, marque une occasion historique pour mettre en vigueur des politiques compréhensives dans le domaine de l’éducation et de soins de la petite enfance en Ontario. Exécutée judicieusement, une telle initiative pourrait servir comme modèle pour le développement de ces politiques à travers le pays, le succès desquelles exigera une plaidoirie soutenue et de recherches en outre par la communauté médicale canadienne.
Mots clés: politiques de santé; traduction de connaissances; pédiatrie; santé publique
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest: None to declare.
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