Mauricie-Center-du-Québec, June 25, 2025- An initiative of public health was born under the name “never too early for shared pleasure around the book” in order to raise awareness of families about the importance of awakening to the book from an early age. This project, anchored in regional realities, aims to promote language development among young children (0-3 years) by offering 191 books to families in Mauricie and Center-du-Québec during the summer. The distribution will be carried out by stakeholders from the establishment who work with families.
In our region, the most recent data of the Quebec Survey on the Development of Kindergarten children (EQDEM) reveal that a in seven child has cognitive and language development issues. This worrying observation is accompanied by another reality revealed by the Quebec survey on the preschool of kindergarten children (EQPPEM): the readings shared with toddlers are initiated later compared to the rest of the province.
“The book, when introduced early and frequently in the life of a child, becomes a real engine for its language development. It not only promotes the learning of new words, but it also consolidates the attachment link with the parent and nourishes the child in his socio-affective skills, “explains Dr. Manon Toupin, doctor of public health. This health promotion initiative aims to be a promising, concrete and accessible gesture, anchored in conviction that it is never too early to arouse the pleasure of reading together.
A boost to equip parents
The books are adapted to the targeted age group and accompanied by a bookmark with a positive message on daily importance to integrate moments of sweetness, pleasure and communication with your child. By a QR code on the bookmark, the parent has access to the tips of a speech therapist to animate activities with his toddler including the book. Note that the choice of books was also suggested by speech therapists of the establishment.
To read the advice offered, go to https://ciusssmcq.ca/conseils-langage.
A diverse service offer to go further
In order to promote language development in young children, a diversified offer of services is offered to parents. These services allow them to explore different strategies to stimulate the language skills of their child, aged 18 months to 5 years, when a delay or difficulties are observed. Information sessions are regularly offered to parents in order to better equip them. In addition, a wide variety of language intervention groups is available throughout the territory of Mauricie and Center-du-Québec.
In the past year, more than 120 information sessions and intervention groups have been organized, allowing more than 800 children and parents to benefit from services adapted to their needs. These initiatives aim to improve access to services and reduce intervention times, in order to act early and effectively in the development of children’s language.
In the event of concerns about the development of their child’s language, parents are invited to consult a health professional.
