REGION. Faced with worrying data on the cognitive and language development of children before kindergarten in the region, the Mauricie/Center-du-Québec Public Health Department is launching a new project to promote language development in children 0-3 years. The main tool: the book.
In our region, the most recent data in‘Quebec survey on children’s development in kindergarten (EQDEM) reveal that a in seven children has cognitive and language development challenges.
“One in seven children is huge! Between 2012 and 2022, there is an increase in children’s vulnerability in four areas: cognitive and language, emotional maturity, social skills and physical health and well-being. It is in the cognitive and language field that the increase in vulnerability is the most important”, explains Dre Manon Toupin, doctor in public health.
“It is a disturbing curve,” she continues. It is worrying for Quebec as for our region. It is for this reason that we have decided to set up this initiative. We want to show that the animations around a book are beneficial. “
In total, 191 pounds will be distributed by CIUSSS stakeholders to families from Mauricie and Center-du-Québec during the summer as part of the initiative Never too early for shared pleasure around the book.
You should know that initiation to book from an early age promotes awakening to reading and decreases the vulnerability of children to their kindergarten.
“When it is introduced early and frequently in the life of a child, the book becomes a real engine for its language development. It promotes the learning of new words and also consolidates the bond of attachment with the parent, in addition to nourishing the child in his socio-affective skills,” she adds.
However, the Quebec survey on the preschool of kindergarten children shows that the readings shared with toddlers are initiated later in Mauricie/Center-du-Québec compared to the rest of the province.
“This study also showed that in the region, eight in ten parents consider that their child is little or not interested in literacy activities, that is to say reading, speaking and writing, mentions Dre Toupin. In addition, 57% of parents indicated that their child did not have access to the library or rarely or never attended. In Quebec, we see that the proportion of vulnerable children in at least one area of development is lower in children library.”
Dre Manon Toupin, however, points out that in the region, almost 60% of the population does not reach level 3 of literacy. Level 3 reports on the ability to read dense or long texts requiring interpreting and giving meaning to information.
“Parents who have themselves difficulty in reading may also want to read a book to their child. It can be a brake, presumes the doctor in public health. Also note that the current situation with the important imposed cuts in the education environment is not ideal, especially if these cuts affect specialized speakers such as speech therapists or orthopedagogues. or having to go to private to obtain them. ”
A boost to equip parents
The books that will be distributed are adapted to the targeted age group accompanied by a sign 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 which will be given to him, the parent has access to the tips of a speech therapist to animate activities with his toddler by including the book. Note that the choice of books was also suggested by speech therapists of the establishment.
“It is not easy to know how to read with a three-year-old and less child. I think what you have to remember is that it must be done in pleasure. It is not a chore: it is a privileged moment that you share with your child, explains Dre Toupin. We are not obliged to read it from the first to the last page. The child will take the book, maybe chewing it, maybe go to the point. Can interact with the characters in the book, name and point the images, the child can move and imitate the character.
Other tips are also available at https://ciusssmcq.ca/conseils-langage.
To go further
Various services are offered to parents in order to promote language development in young children to explore different strategies to stimulate the language skills of their child, aged 18 to 5, when a delay or difficulties are observed.
Information sessions are regularly offered to parents in order to better equip them. 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.
In the event of concerns about the development of their child’s language, parents are invited to consult a health professional.