Middle Childhood Partnership
In 2023, Children Services led a project to develop strategies to coordinate and promote community programming, resources and information for families with children between the ages of 6 and 12.
Following service restrictions due to the pandemic, service providers noted that children in this age group were experiencing challenges related to mental health and social and physical development.
The goal of the project was to increase awareness of services and programs available for children aged 6 to 12, decrease challenges to access services and increase engagement with families to meet their needs around the social, physical and mental health of their children.
The project included four phases:
- Literature review and stakeholder engagement – one-on-one interviews with community partners who provide services to families and children aged 6 to 12
- Public engagement – survey with families with children aged 6 to 12
- Develop resources and tools to support stakeholders, children and families
- Develop strategies for the long-term maintenance of partnerships and resources
In January 2024, the Middle Childhood Partnership sub-committee was formed under the updated Strategic Plan for the Early Years Planning Network (EYPN) from 2024-2029. The findings from the Middle Childhood Partnership Project are incorporated into the objectives of the Middle Childhood Partnership sub-committee.
The mandate for the Middle Childhood Partnership sub-committee is to identify gaps in services, programs and policies for children in their middle years and develop a framework to identify developmental assets and needs for middle childhood. The framework will focus on four key elements of healthy development – meeting fundamental needs, stable and nurturing relationships, opportunities to develop competencies and safe and caring environments.
Repository of Resources for School-Aged Children
The following resource has been developed to compile community programs and online resources to support the well-being of children ages 6 to 12. If you are looking for additional resources on a topic, please complete the feedback form here to let us know.
Project documents:
Middle Childhood Project Final Report
Middle Childhood Project Charter
Middle Childhood Project Logic Model
Middle Childhood Project Phase 1 Report
Middle Childhood Project Phase 2 Report