This project aims to foster quality in the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) sector by identifying evaluations of innovative approaches to ELCC in Canada that could be scaled to spread their impact.

The ELCC Innovation ToolKit identifies innovations in the following areas: ELCC governance; funding; inclusion and equitable access; the learning environment including curriculum, program supports, transitions to kindergarten and parent engagement; the workforce including educator training, professional development, compensation and recognition; and monitoring and accountability.

Examples of innovation in the above areas can be found at the provincial/territorial, regional, local and program level. They may be targeted to different communities:  new Canadians, Aboriginal families, communities at risk etc. Evaluations differ in their rigour and the ToolKit reflects this by identifying the number and types of studies.
 
The TookKit was developed through a review of published literature and government and academic reports. Promising practices were also identified via an environmental scan developed through surveys and key informant interviews.

The ELCC Innovation ToolKit is a working collection of Canadian evaluations in ELCC. If you are a Canadian researcher and feel your work may contribute to this project, please contact us.