Published at 1:23 am. Updated at 5:00 am.
Clear upward trend
For 10 years, the Quebec Institute of Statistics (ISQ) has been studying the development of children entering kindergarten. The third edition of the Quebec Survey on Child Development (EQDEM), conducted in 2022 among 78,000 children, shows that 28.7% of kindergarten students were considered “at risk” in at least one area of development. In concrete terms, this means that they are more likely to encounter academic, but also emotional or social difficulties. Concrete examples: Difficulty working independently, waiting your turn or letting your imagination run wild while playing. In 2012 this value was 25.6%, in 2017 it rose to 27.7%. In short, the trend is clearly increasing, while in Quebec for years there have been many government efforts to reduce the number of children with learning difficulties.
Regions more affected than others
In Laval (33.9%), the North Coast (32.8%), Outaouais (32.2%) and Estrie (30.2%), the proportion of children considered at risk in at least one developing area is lower , the highest . However, the situation in Laval and Outaouais would be particularly acute, the ISQ notes in its report, since these two regions “have a significantly higher proportion of children at risk than the rest of Quebec” in all areas of development, namely physical health and social skills, emotional Maturity, cognitive and linguistic development, communication skills and even general knowledge of the child.
Which young people are most affected?
Several findings stand out. Firstly, everything suggests that boys are significantly more affected by learning difficulties. To date, approximately 35.6% of boys in 5-year-old kindergarten are considered “at risk,” compared to 21.6% of girls. It also appears that the youngest children in kindergarten, those younger than 5 years and 9 months old, are more affected than the oldest, at 34.8% versus 23.3%. Approximately 33% of students attending a disadvantaged school will experience learning difficulties at some point, while 27% of them will experience the same reality at a non-disadvantaged school. Finally, young people born abroad are also significantly overrepresented (37.3%) compared to children born in Canada (28%).
Unfair chances
For Toddler Observatory (OTP) director Julie Cailliau, the survey data is “very worrying.” “We are at almost 30% and the proportion has been increasing for years. “It shows that not everyone really starts with the same opportunities and at the same starting line,” reflects the manager. The OTP calls on governments, but also the community and the economy, to “work together to positively impact the living conditions of families”. “We must increase access to quality childcare services and reduce the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged environments. The housing issue also has a major impact: living in housing that exceeds a household’s means can have a significant impact on children’s development,” concludes Ms. Cailliau.
The impact of COVID-19?
In the office of the Minister in charge of Social Services, Lionel Carmant, we recall that “the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the level of development of children”. “Without all the work that has been done since 2018 for the most vulnerable children and their families, the picture would be much bleaker,” emphasizes, however, the minister’s press secretary, Lambert Drainville, recalling that programs such as Agir Early or Olo “ will certainly have a great future.” Long-term effects on vulnerable populations. “We are implementing several initiatives aimed at better supporting the most vulnerable families to support their child’s development. There is still a lot to do, but we are on the right track,” assures the minister’s office.
Large construction site planned in Outaouais
Outaouais, a particularly vulnerable region, wants to step up its efforts to support young people. The Regional Director of Public Health, Dr. Brigitte Pinard said on Wednesday that “measures alone can hardly lead to reducing the proportion of children at risk”. Recognizing the journey ahead, her organization will launch a series of six public meetings in late October to “pursue the desired changes for children, parents and the community.” More than twenty partners from different backgrounds are invited to testify. It will all culminate in January with a “Total Child Development Project” led by the Outaouais Social Development Consultation to develop recommendations.
Learn more
80% The state health prevention policy aims to ensure that 80% of children enter kindergarten without developmental vulnerabilities in 2025. In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, this represents a gap of 10% to be closed, the health department of this region said on Wednesday, calling for “continuation of coordination work between partners so that all children have the opportunity to get well.”
Source: ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE PUBLIC HEALTH