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. 2011 Dec;16(10):655-60.

Measuring in support of early childhood development

[Article in English, French]
Clyde Hertzman, Jean Clinton, Andrew Lynk; Canadian Paediatric Society, Early Years Task Force

Measuring in support of early childhood development

[Article in English, French]
Clyde Hertzman et al. Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Dec.

Abstract
in English, French

A child's early experiences and environments have a significant, measurable effect on later life trajectories of health and well-being. Each child's own world, especially parents and other caregivers, literally sculpts the brain and impacts stress pathways. Effective early childhood interventions exist that can improve adult and societal outcomes. In this statement, the Canadian Paediatric Society calls on federal and provincial/territorial governments to measure and monitor the developmental progress of children in Canada, which can vary widely among communities and demographic groups. The statement explores the objectives for collecting quality information about early child development, its determinants and long-term outcomes. It also examines four approaches to collecting population-based, person-specific and longitudinal data, both in young children and later in life. A key outcome of monitoring development is timely intervention. Linking individual data to the home and community levels is a critical step, so that communities and governments can monitor and take actions that support early child development.

Les expériences et les environnements de la petite enfance ont un effet important et mesurable sur les trajectoires de santé et de bien-être. Le monde de chaque enfant, en particulier ses parents et les autres personnes qui s’occupent de lui, sculptent littéralement le cerveau et influent sur les voies du stress. Pendant la petite enfance, il existe des interventions efficaces qui peuvent améliorer les issues sociétales et à l’âge adulte. Dans le présent document de principes, la Société canadienne de pédiatrie demande aux gouvernements fédéral, provinciaux et territoriaux de mesurer et de surveiller l’évolution du développement des enfants au Canada, qui peut varier considérablement selon les collectivités et les groupes démographiques. Le document de principes traite des objectifs en vue de colliger de l’information de qualité sur le développement de la petite enfance, ses déterminants et ses issues à long terme. Il expose également quatre approches pour recueillir des données par enquête en population, par individu et par enquête longitudinale, tant chez les jeunes enfants que plus tard dans la vie. Une intervention rapide représente l’un des principaux résultats de la surveillance du développement. Il est essentiel de lier les données individuelles au domicile et à la collectivité pour que les collectivités et les gouvernements puissent assurer un suivi et prendre des mesures en appui au développement de la petite enfance.

Keywords: Early childhood development; Longitudinal data; Population health; Social determinants.

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