ECEC2017: Sparking Creativity in the Rockies

The presenters will highlight how the work of the First 2000 Days Network (‘the Network’) and
the Early Childhood Coalitions Alberta (ECCA) through the work of a group of 13 Calgary & area-
based Coalitions supports Early Childhood Educators.
The Network and ECCA work to align efforts to support Early Childhood Development between
community-based coalitions with the broader community, including school jurisdictions, local
schools, teachers and parents.
In Calgary & Area, the 13 Community Coalitions are an integral part of the First 2000 Days
Network. Several of the Coalitions have utilized their funding via Human Services and the
collection of Early Development Instrument (EDI data) to develop expertise, actions and
strategies to engage schools, teachers and parents to support improved ECD outcomes.
In supporting the Early Childhood Teachers in the school jurisdictions it is imperative that we
share how their efforts in administering the EDI have provided a catalyst for community action
and the resources and strategies developed to enhance the opportunity for all children to reach
their full potential as they enter kindergarten.