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Study suggests children here among most vulnerable in BC

Submitted by School District #50--In recently-released results of a project which maps early child development in BC, Haida Gwaii's kindergarten students have been identified as among the most vulnerable in the province.
The mapping project measures children's readiness for school along five dimensions:
Physical health and well-being (how healthy and independent children are);
o Social Competence (how children play, get along with others, share and have self-confidence);
o Language and Cognitive Development (the degree to which children are interested in reading and writing, can count, and recognize numbers and shapes);
o Communication Skills and General Knowledge (how children communicate with adults and other children, whether they are able to tell a story).
o Readiness is important because it reflects children's early development and influences school success, health and well-being later in life. Early intervention is the most effective support that we can give children.
Dr. Clyde Hertzman of UBC leads the Early Child Development project. He's coming to the islands to discuss his results and, more importantly, what parents, family and communities ca do to improve the results and to help children them thrive.
To learn more, the community is invited to attend Dr. Hertzman's session at the Skidegate community hall on Wednesday February 15, 5 pm to 8 pm. Supper starts at 5 pm. Dr. Hertzman's presentation will be from 5:30 to 6:45. This remaining time will be dedicated to discussion or questions and answers. Everyone is welcome. The event is sponsored in by the school district and the Skidegate Band Council.