Our Place is one where all children will have a right to a safe, nurturing and healthy environment that promotes optimal growth and development. As community organizations, parents, citizens we are committed to ensuring that this right is realized in Vancouver’s Inner-City.
The Project Vision:
Neighborhoods’ where children and their families are exposed to a wide variety of early childhood and family enrichment opportunities; where children and their families have access to needed resources that promote their full inclusion; where school readiness is the norm. Neighborhoods’ that are inclusive, just, and compassionate, Neighborhoods’ that value and support children, youth and families.
Organization:
Our Place has organized teams each taking the lead on strategic actions in one of the key result areas:
1. Improved Child Health
- Children are physically healthy
- Children are emotionally healthy
- Children with special needs are identified early and linked to appropriate services and supports
- Children have regular access to nutritional food
2. Enhanced Child Development
- Children have access to high quality child care and early childhood education
- Children are school ready and meet developmental milestones
- Children with special needs experience a smooth transition to the public school system
- Early childhood educators have a supportive network and opportunities for professional development
3. Improved Family Functioning
- Families support their children’s social, cognitive and physical development
- Families provide nurturing and positive emotional support for their children
- Families are connected to a supportive community
4. Improved Systems of Care
- Funding and services to young children and their families are better coordinated, contiguous and leveraged
- Greater knowledge and utilization of evidence-based practices among practitioners
- Greater support and resources for children and families in the community
5. Social Justice*
- Enhanced empowerment and self-determination for children and families
- Parents advocate for their children’s access to required programs and services
- Full citizenship and participation in the community
6. Economic Well-Being*
Outcome goals to be developed at Forum in June 2013
* New Target areas-2012 being incorporated.