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Over the last month, we discussed what families could do to give their children the best possible start for life. Last week, we looked at the necessity for strong early childhood development commitments nation-wide based on new research and population statistics.
Today, we will explore how to make Terrace flourish again. Let's have our very own revolution, a revolution of thought. Not a worry, I am not encouraging any northern bloodshed.
A prosperous society is one in which:
- All citizens have the means to meet their basic needs, where there is social cohesion rather than social division, where the various segments of society cooperate for the common good, and where safe, attractive communities make it relatively easy to attract new citizens and new businesses.
- This type of society is associated with social stability as well as economic growth. Social stability and economic growth, in turn, provide willingness and resources to support child development.
- Children whose development has been supported and encouraged are more likely to be ready for school at age six. With strong school readiness, those children are most likely to develop a strong sense of self-respect and a concern for others, have good people, literacy, numerical skills and problem-solving skills, and an interest in life-long learning.
- Citizens with these skills provide an innovative and competitive workforce as well as a caring, supportive community.
- This in turn, encourages economic growth and social stability, both factors which increase prosperity of the society.
Source: Gillian Doherty, Zero to Six, The Basis for School Readiness, 1997
It may seem a bit like a dream but we owe it to ourselves to try. There is a catch though - we will have to play together and learn to share and listen to one another. I do not pretend to possess all the answers but in a spirit of friendly revolution (the one that nobody looses an eye), here are suggestions based on my experiences and the latest research:
Local government
Social planning analyzes and prepares for change. It considers the human dimension of community development. Who lives here? What are citizens' issues? Do we have all the services we need? Are all services accessible – transportation, scheduling, cost, culturally sensitive and inclusive? Are we an attractive community for new families to settle here?
Schools
- Pre-birth to age six is the most critical time in brain development and consequently success in life; family involvement in child's learning increases his/her chances for success during school years.
- Declining student population due to economic downturn and continued lower birth rate are the main factors in funding shortages under the current funding formula. Every year, school boards struggle with insufficient funding as well as brainstorming to improve student achievement rates.
- Broadening the school board's mandate to include children age 0-6 and opening doors of existing schools to quality preschool programs, family literacy groups and family health services to use their empty classrooms for no or minimal fees will result in improved school readiness for many of the students and greater bond between family and school; both contributing to improved student achievements as well as helping with funding crisis.
Workplace
Surveys all around the world show that employees are looking for a balance between work and family. The employers that adapt to this trend are able to attract and retain the best, most loyal and motivated workers.
What can employers do to support work-life harmony for their employees?
- offer flexibility to deal with emergencies
- improve childcare options
- create a work/family-friendly atmosphere
- offer alternative work arrangements
Our common goal is a prosperous society. This is not a task that can be on the shoulders of families, local government, schools or businesses alone. They each have a role to play. However, imagine if we all work together. There is no telling what could happen then!
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