Early Child Development and Parenting Committee

The Early Child Development and Parenting Committee of the TFRC works to enhance the accessibility of quality, universal, and developmental early learning opportunities for all children in the region with a goal of providing a one stop home for a range of services, including parent education and coordination of existing services offered for children and families.

We are continually engaged in dialogue with interested individuals and groups within Tantramar while networking within the province, Atlantic Region and nationally through the Council for Early Childhood Development (CEDC). Founded by Dr. Fraser Mustard in 2004, the CECD is based on the recommendations of the Ontario Early Years Study (McCain & Mustard, 1999).

For more info about the council and to download a copy of the Early Years Study 2 (Hon Margaret Norrie McCain and Dr Fraser Mustard, 2007) visit the website at councilecd.ca.

Brain Development Graph

An excerpt from the document:

Children’s early experiences have far reaching and solidifying effects on the development of their brains and behaviors. This diagram indicates that the most sensitive periods of brain development, the foundation for cognitive learning, emotional and social skills, language and expression are laid before children in Canada begin formal schooling. Trajectories for children with developmental vulnerabilities can be changed but the major effort has to be made in the early years when neural systems are most plastic and compromises or constrictions are most readily overcome. Later interventions are more difficult and less effective.

—Dr Fraser Mustard, 2007

Rock 'n' Talk Parent Support Program

This 8-week program offers a place where parent or parents and baby meet to discuss various topics important to parents of a child less than one year of age. Topics include: life with baby, growth & safety, getting back into shape for Mom and feeding your baby.

  • The course will be offered throughout the year as demand requires.
  • The location will be dependent on where in Tantramar the parents live.
  • To express your interest in the Rock ’n’ Talk program, call VON Healthy Baby and Me, Maria DesRoches, 389-2229 (389-BABY).
  • The program is available free of charge to parents of all ages.
  • Childcare may be available for older siblings accompanying the parents and baby.

Healthy Baby and Me Prenatal Course

Parental Course The Tantramar Family Resource Centre is pleased to partner with VON Canada to offer prenatal programs for parents-to-be.

  • The 8-week course will be offered throughout the year as demand requires.
  • Locations of courses will be dependent on where in Tantramar the parents-to-be live.
  • To register for future prenatal courses, call VON Healthy Baby and Me, Maria DesRoches, 389-2229 (389-BABY).
  • The program is available free of charge to parents of all ages.