An Information Bulletin published in BC Gov News on June 25, 2019 reminded parents and guardians of eligible children that deadlines are fast approaching to sign up for the $1,200 BC Training and Education Savings Grant (BCTESG).

Sometimes known as the “baby whisperer”, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton touched generations of families through his television shows and series of books.  After four decades as a paediatrician, the Harvard emeritus professor founded the Brazelton Touchpoints Center at Children’s Hospital, Boston.  The centre trains paediatricians, social workers, and early childhood educators, but also cooks, bus drivers, and family court judges, any adult who interacts with young children and their parents. Each ‘touchpoint” is viewed as an opportunity for interaction and learning. 

The BCACCS Annual Provincial Training Conference Our Languages, Our Teachings, Our Ways will take place at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel on October 25 – 27, 2019

Where You Are:  A BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Broadcast has been launched recently by Kelty Mental Health with the intention of supporting families to “promote your family’s mental health and wellness from Where You Are to where you want to be”.   Through real stories, expertise and practical tips, the podcasts are designed to help families and their children support and enhance their mental health and wellness, navigating important topics to meet families where they are in their journey.

The 23rd BCAPOP Annual Conference, Supporting Families:  Mind, Body & Spirit, will take place October 9-11 at the Westin Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond.  This year’s keynote speaker will be Myles Himmelreich, a national and international motivational speaker, sharing his experiences of living with FASD.

We look at an article from Ming Kuo in Greater Good Magazine about the positive impact of spending time in nature on children’s academic performance and the recommendations of the Lawson Foundation’s discussion paper on Advancing Outdoor Play and Early Childhood Education, which focuses on the need for alignment of cross-sectorial policies and for the implementation of a specific training focus in Early Childhood Education training and professional development.

Métis Nation British Columbia has developed a new Métis Early Years Program for Métis families with children birth to 8 years. The goal of the Métis Early Years Program is to connect Métis families to their community and culture and link them to early years programs and services in their community.

On June 20, 2019 the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children posted a statement on Healthy Conditions for Growing up along with a summary of progress in advocating for Children’s Rights in Parliament.