The Best Start Network met for the last time on December 1, 2011.
In its place, the Toronto Child and Family Advisory Network has been established. This new network will build on the success of Best Start in promoting positive outcomes for children and their families.
The Toronto Early Childhood and Family Resource System Pathway and Resource Listing is available online. These pathways help link families to appropriate community services and programs that promote development, reduce risks, and address developmental concerns.
Building on the Momentum: Strengthening a Network of Community Systems
In March 2011, the Toronto Best Start Network hosted a community forum called "Building on the Momentum: Strengthening a Network of Community Systems". Presentations from the forum are now available, including Dr. James Dunn's "Healthy Child Development and Levels of Social Organization:From Neurons to Neighborhoods to Nation-States", and presentations from the three Best Start Demonstration sites: Hamilton, Lambton/Chatham-Kent and Timiskaming.
The
Best Start Plan: Toronto Vision for Children outlines
Toronto's plan to bring services together through the development
of a community / neighbourhood hub delivery system; promoting
collaboration between the service providers and by forming clusters
of services. Implementation is taking place in two phases. |
Education,
child care and family support practitioners have produced
innovative documents to guide collaborative practice in the
early years. These companion documents offer practical suggestions
to enhance coordination and integration of services for young
children and their families.