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Demographics

Indicators



Indicators

Health and well-being indicators measure child outcomes as well as family and community influences on child outcomes. While there are many indicators that can be used, this report focuses on a small number for which we have reliable data. Many of these can be measured at the local level and over time, to give us an in-depth picture of the well-being of children, their families & the communities in which they live.

Measuring young children's readiness to learn

The Early Development Instrument (EDI) measures young children's readiness for school in five areas and predicts how well they will do in elementary school. (EDI mapping notes)

Family influences

Neighbourhood, family and child-related factors interact to influence children’s immediate and longer term health and development.

Access to child care fee subsidy

A fee subsidy helps with the cost of child care and is a vital support that allows many of Toronto's low-income families to access licensed child care.

Children living in Low Income

"For families an adequate income is essential, not just for securing food, clothing and shelter, but because it contributes to health and security, forming a stable base from which they can participate in their community."

Childhood injuries

Unintentional injuries represent the most common form of injuries experienced by children aged 0 to 14 years. These injuries do not result from violence, but rather from motor vehicle crashes, falls, sport injuries and unintentional poisoning.

Low birth weight

The Low Birth Weight (LBW) rate refers to the percentage of live births weighing less than 2,500 grams. LBW can have consequences for short and long term health. For example, low birth weight babies are at higher risk for childhood illnesses, delays in social and motor development, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and respiratory diseases in adulthood.

Immunization

Immunization coverage is an indicator that measures the percentage of people who are appropriately vaccinated. Children who receive all recommended vaccines by two, seven and seventeen years of age are considered “up-to-date” in their immunization status.

Library programs & resources

Toronto Public Library (TPL) has a strong commitment to the well being of the children of Toronto and their families. For 100 years the Library has offered innovative and relevant resources, programs and services that have evolved with the changing needs of children and their families. The Library’s goals are to promote literacy, support educational achievement and lifelong learning, and inspire a love of reading. This report details some of the usage figures around Toronto Public Library's programs for children and famillies.