On June 15th, Senator Art Eggleton tabled a motion calling on the federal government to launch a national nutrition program for children and youth. The Coalition for Healthy School Food has been advocating for a national school food program since 2013. Coalition Coordinator Carolyn Webb explains that only one-third of MORE
First Call is organizing a Public Education Forum on September 22nd, 2018. We have created a short survey that will help us collect thoughts and ideas about topics of interest. We would like to hear your thoughts. Your participation will ensure this event is topical and relevant to your work.
Caring for Kids has released a resource for parents to understand how gender identity develops in children and how parents and caregivers can best promote healthy gender development in children. The resource outlines useful terms, explains how gender identity develops, discusses expression of gender identity, and answers other frequently asked questions in MORE
This research points to the importance of school-led social and emotional learning in promoting positive mental health. The paper highlights the multi-faceted approach undertaken in British Columbia over the past decade to promote positive mental health through social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools. SEL has been implemented in school curriculum, recently in MORE
The rate of childhood obesity in Canada has been rising steadily in recent decades and being overweight or obese impacts the mental health and well-being of children, as well as other aspects of their lives. There is unequivocal evidence that the marketing of unhealthy foods and sugar-sweetened beverages has a negative impact MORE
Inclusion BC released their report, Stop Hurting Kids II: Restraint & Seclusion in BC Schools, containing the results of their provincial survey of parents and guardians of students with special needs. The report reveals that restraint and seclusion are still being routinely used instead of positive behaviour support programs in MORE
Superintendent of Schools for the Gold Trail School District, Teresa Downs, presented at the Columbia Institute’s Centre for Civic Governance 2018 High Ground: Communities for All event in March 2018. Her speech about the district’s experiences and responses to their White Privilege Campaign was incredibly moving and inspiring. The speech MORE
This Healthy Schools Day, April 3rd, the Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment (CPCHE) and the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) will launch a national petition urging mandatory action on radon in schools and child care programs across the country. Radon exists in all regions of Canada and is MORE
CTV News: Parents hoping to see reduced daycare fees may have to wait CBC News: Basic income pilot not coming to B.C. until at least 2020, despite Green-NDP pledge News Wire: Canada and the Métis Nation move forward on Canada-Métis Nation Accord Vancouver Sun: Questions leave child care providers leery of B.C. fee reduction MORE
The Parent Advocacy Network (PAN) sent the Minister and Deputy Minister of Education a researched letter of petition signed by 73 parent and community advocacy groups, university arts educators and arts professionals calling attention to the dramatic decline in access to K-12 arts education across BC. Education in the arts MORE
All Kinds of Minds is a book inspired by and created with children. It allows children and youth to talk about their own neurological or psychological differences, such as ADHD, anxiety, autism or PTSD. The book’s tone communicates that different minds are good for ourselves and our communities. Inspire Community MORE
CBC News: Ottawa to increase funding for First Nations child welfare services National Observer: B.C.’s budget calls for momentous change in housing, childcare CBC News: Record check misses ‘shocking revelations’ in B.C. Children’s Ministry file Global Newswire: BC Supreme Court grants Huu-ay-aht mother more access to her newborn The Tyee: MORE
Following the Chilliwack District Parent Advisory Council’s call last month for Chilliwack trustee Barry Neufeld’s resignation in response to his public attacks on provincial LGBTQ curriculum, early last week the Chilliwack Teachers’ Association passed a motion of non-confidence against the Chilliwack Board of Education, citing inaction following controversial comments Neufeld MORE
A selection of research highlighting by HELP this month provides a crucial window into the impact of the classroom environment on children and youth. Check out an article by Oberle E., Schonert-Reichl K. called Stress contagion in the classroom? The link between classroom teacher burnout and morning cortisol in elementary school students here. To learn MORE
BCCPAC has issued a letter of support to Chilliwack District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) Chair Justine Hodge offering support and expressing that it is “deeply disturbing that a letter writing campaign has been initiated” against her personally in response to a letter the DPAC sent to the Chilliwack Board of MORE