Who We Are
We are a unique resource, rich in experience and local information and are dedicated to the community's understanding and collaboration in the positive development, health and well being of young children from birth to 6 years. We strive to support mobilization and action in all aspects of communities through research, information, facilitation, communication and partnerships.
PLAY is a recognized group of committed and knowledgeable people who are working together to improve the health and well being of children aged 0-6. We have been working together for three years, and now have a defined structure and way of working together. Multiple agencies, sectors and professions work together to respond to the research on what makes a difference for the health and well being of all our young children.
[ back to top ]
Working Together And Expanding the Commitment
The following agencies are examples of those who are active in the coalition, and are instrumental in developing the community plan and directions of the coalition. This list is growing.
| REACH, University of Victoria | Regional Childcare Council |
| Camosun College ECD | Saanich Neighbourhood Place |
| CAPC Coalition | Saanich Recreation |
| Child and Family Counseling Agency | Saltspring Community Association |
| Esquimalt Neighbourhood House | School Districts 61, 62, 63 and 64 |
| Greater Victoria Public Library | Single Parent Resource Centre |
| James Bay Community Project | Sooke Family Resources |
| Military Family Resource Centre | United Way of Greater Victoria |
| Ministry for children and Family Development | UVIC Child and Youth Care |
| Parent Support Services | VIHA (Child, Youth and Family Health) |
| Success by Six | West Shore Community Resources |
Our membership is open, and we always welcome new members. You can stay connected through our email distribution list, attend meetings or participate in work groups.
[ back to top ]
What Have We Done So Far?
Some examples of our work include...
Together with the Human Early Learning Partnership, Understanding the Early Years initiate, and schools we have completed the Early Development Indicator (a measure of readiness to learn) for all kindergarten children in the public schools in February 2003 and February 2006. To see the results, see the Human Early Learning Partnership. You'll find it under the Mapping Portal, listed by school districts 61,62,63 and 64.
Actively connected with "non-traditional" and traditional partners and carried the message about the importance of the early years, and the roles of the entire community. We work closely with Success by Six.
Conducted many consultation meetings and developed a community plan for early childhood development in Victoria. We are active on three priority areas (childcare, parenting support education and community awareness), and have recently done our strategic plan.
Developed a map of 37 Victoria neighbourhoods, and with that provided the community with information about numbers of children, readiness to learn and a number of other variables known to be important to children's development. We are increasing and building on this information continuously. New additions can be found in the Understanding the Early Years Project.
Provided the community with local research about parenting and parent education programs in our region and provided funders with recommendations based on this research. Click here to see our 2004 Report and Recommendations.
We advocate Nationally, Provincially and locally on the importance of the early years.
[ back to top ]