Early Years Study 2 (2007)
Putting Science Into Action
In 2007, Margaret McCain and Dr. Fraser Mustard were joined by Dr. Stuart Shanker to produce Early Years Study 2: Putting Science into Action.
EYS2 focused on the policy framework necessary to improve conditions in early childhood with a view of improving the overall health of Canadians.
Highlights of Early Years Study 2:
- EYS2 explained how our genes respond our environment, and how children’s early experiences shape their development in the long term.
- It recognized the economic benefits of investing in young children and their families and demonstrated how early childhood has a crucial impact on lifelong learning, behaviour, and health.
- It championed for the use of EDI data as a central building block in monitoring how children are developing.
- It reported how early education could expand by building on public education.
- It highlighted findings from Toronto First Duty about how current programs for young children and their families are only a patchwork solution.
What Early Years Study 2: Putting Science into Action Achieved:
- Ontario created play-based, full-day kindergarten for all four and five year olds.
- Other Canadian jurisdictions expanded early education within their schools.
- The New Brunswick government called on Margaret McCain to advise its premier on the province’s early childhood strategy.