Les Petits Crayons

Background:

Les Petits Crayons model evolved from a research initiative on early childhood development, which focused on knowledge, behaviour and learning. New Brunswick has conducted significant research on children (from newborn to age five) with the results remaining constant – early childhood development can positively impact children's knowledge, learning and social behavior. In addition, early childhood development helps to build parents' abilities and confidence.

Model Description:

Les Petits Crayons model consists of an early childhood literacy club involving parents and preschool children in a rural community. This club is designed to meet the educational needs of a community. Parents are involved in curriculum development and the management of the clubs. They also participate alongside their children as they learn, by doing crafts, playing games, reading and socializing, thus benefiting both. The clubs' activities are interactive and similar to kindergarten: circle time discussions, story time, games and singing.

Project Funding:

The Rural Secretariat will fund this project with $433,000. Funding for this research initiative is derived from the five-year, $55-million renewal of the Canadian Rural Partnership, announced in June 2002.

Research Objectives:

• Evaluate the extent to which the model encourages information sharing, removes obstacles and promotes early childhood development.

The research activities supported by the Rural Secretariat's Models for Rural Development and Rural Community Capacity Building Program (The Models Program) will contribute to the understanding of what approaches (models) to community development and capacity building work in rural, remote and northern communities. The information collected will be useful for all levels of government to support their decisions on programs and services for rural Canadians, as well as future policy directions.

Community Sites:

Les Petits Crayons is being implemented in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and in a third site through the Association francophone des parents du Nouveau-Brunswick.