Early Learning

TLP is concerned with all aspects of a student’s well being and education, from the early years to graduation. The early years, however, are of particular interest as the foundation for the future success of Canada’s young people.  Fostering the readiness to learn is crucial for a child’s optimal success at school and for all future aspects of life including employment, earning potential and physical and mental health. It is also crucial for Canada’s ability to compete in the global economy, its prosperity and its social stability.

Yet, studies across the country have found that 25-30% of children in Canada lack school-readiness at age five.  Improving early learning opportunities for children in difficult socio-economic circumstances, including the rapidly growing numbers of Aboriginal and immigrant children, has been of particular concern to TLP. As an organization concerned with students at all stages, we are addressing the issue of early learning through research, public engagement and programming. 

The organization hosted a provincial Early Years Conference in Toronto in January, 2007.  Partnerships in Action – Building Our Children’s Future brought together early learning experts and professionals, policy makers, parents and care-givers, community leaders, educators, social workers, governments and not-for-profit organizations to discuss changes needed to work together to strengthen the foundation for early learning in Ontario and across the country.   A research paper, Conception to Age Six: The Foundation of School Readiness, was commissioned for the event. 

Our fourth Progress Report on the Quality of Public Education on early learning entitled, "The Building Blocks of Learning: Preparing Young Children for School", published in 2011, documents relevant research and highlights policy options related to the learning readiness of young pre-school age children.  Read Early Learning Report.