SECD is an online teaching and learning

tool that presents groundbreaking research related to ECD.

The format is accessible and interactive - like a multimedia textbook.

A media-rich ‘live’ curriculum that can be easily updated as new research emerges.

A resource that can be used in a variety of ways in any community or sector interested in child & population development to create a common and current knowledge base.

The Science of Early Child Development team has recently produced two new versions:

1. Science of ECD, 2nd Edition2. Science of ECD, International Edition

What is the new framework for studying child development?

Why is it important for those who work with children & families to understand science related to young children?

How do everyday experiences affect biological pathways with long-term outcomes on health, learning & behaviour?

Does what we do when children are little really affect the long-term health and well-being of the population?

How can we narrow the gap between research and practice?

• At Red River College we needed current, accessible material easily understood by frontline caregivers. E.g., new science on brain development.

• Vision as resource for international use from the beginning because of content and media

Timing was excellent for this project. Researchers are enthusiastic about narrowing the gap between research and practice – the overarching goal of the project.

College with production capacity and experience in a good position to take on this work, with partners ensuring academic integrity.

Findings from

neurobiology set the

stage for the importance

of nurturing and

opportunities to explore

and underscore the

importance of investing

in ECD.

5 modules:

Developmental Health

Brain Development

The Ecology of Childhood

Coping and Competence

Communicating and Learning

Each module is a combination of readings, videos, website links, examples, audio clips, photos, slideshows, questions for reflection and interactive activities such as games.

Over 150 video clips are included:• researchers and experts who act as the ‘voice’

of the teacher, and• images of children, parents and caregivers that

illustrate messages & link concepts to real life.

Each module has 3 sections:

1. Overview of the topic e.g. Brain Development

2. Research related to the topic

3. Links to Practice

Brief tour of resource

www.scienceofecd.com

• In the classroom• On a computer with internet

access• By individuals as a course ‘text’ or

projected before a group• As an online course – stand alone

course or for content in other courses

• As a training tool for any sector interested in ECD.

Individual student users (as a basic ‘text’) at:• Red River College• George Brown College• Conestoga College• Sault College

30 Canadian colleges and universities have faculty using projection licenses.

• More than 1200 licences in Canada and around the world• Institute of Child Study, University of Toronto Content enriches graduate course in Infant Development.• Manitoba Child Care Program, Gov’t of Manitoba Child Care Assistant online course based on SECD – an

introductory course delivered through RRC.• TVOntario

Repurposing content for website for parents.• Various child & family agencies across Canada –

Content is used in parenting workshops and professional development sessions.

• Human Development Program, Aga Khan UniversityUse SECD as major content in Course 1 in the Advanced Diploma Program – From ECD to Human Development.

We are exploring several enhancements to the resource:

1. Closed captioning of videos.2. A French translation/version.3. More games and interactive activities

We continue to receive requests for SECD material to be used in online courses developed by other institutions. Decisions are made on a case by case basis.

Upcoming Projects –• Serbia – workshops based on SECD to ISSA country

directors meeting, Dec. 08.• IED-BRAC – SECD resource to be used in Early

Childhood training programs (certificate, diploma & Masters)

• University of Calgary – discussions to incorporate SECD brain development module into Health Canada training workshops & online course.

• Responding to requests to use pieces of SECD for existing online courses – University of South Australia and others

www.scienceofecd.com/