In The News
News briefs: Language development linked to maternal depression, bilingualism
Environmental factors such as maternal depression and bilingual households can be pivotal in the development of an infant’s language skills, according to new UBC research.
The findings were presented this month at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting in Vancouver and are among the first to examine maternal mental health and antidepressant exposure’s impact on infants’ early language development.
News briefs: Statistics Canada looks at off-reserve children’s health
Most off-reserve First Nations and Métis children are in very good or excellent health but still face threats from poor housing conditions and access to medical care, according to a new Statistics Canada study.
CBC reported on the study, which found that, based on parents’ perceptions, 85 per cent are considered to be in excellent or very good health, compared with 90 per cent for all Canadian children.
Previous research has found aboriginal children face higher rates of injury, accidental injury and sudden infant death compared with non-aboriginal children, as well as more risk of ear infections, respiratory tract infections, obesity, dental problems and asthma-related hospitalizations.
The researchers said the findings do not cover First Nations families on reserve.
News briefs: More childcare spaces planned at U of S
The University of Saskatchewan is looking to an across-the-board increase in student fees to help cover the cost of additional childcare spaces.
The university has expansion plans that include turning the old seed barn near Griffiths Stadium into a childcare centre.
The $4.4-million proposal would double the number of spaces at a childcare centre in the Education Building and add another 60 to 70 spaces at a second centre at the College Quarter.
More kids on psychiatric drugs
News briefs: kidSKAN’s Muhajarine interviewed about full-day K on CBC
The Saskatchewan government won’t be bringing in full-day kindergarten across the province for the foreseeable future, says a CBC story.
School boards have been calling for the government to expand full-day kindergarten programming, but a government spokesperson said the program would be expensive and require extensive consultation.
Dr. Nazeem Muhajarine of kidSKAN was interviewed by CBC about the issue and said pilot programs have shown improved outcomes for children who have had full-day kindergarten.
News briefs: Late fatherhood can mean risks too
A new set of guidelines endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada suggests men, not just women, should be aware of reproductive risks associated with their delaying parenthood until older.
A Postmedia story says the guidelines points out men’s semen quality and fertility can begin to decline after age 32. As well, babies born to fathers 40 and older at the time of conception face an increased risk of genetic disorders, schizophrenia, autism and some cancers.
Schools rethinking “empty praise” of kids
News briefs: Link between parents’ poverty, diabetes and kids’ ADHD
A new study is pointing out links between children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mothers’ diabetes, as well as families’ socioeconomic status, according to the Globe and Mail.
Children whose mothers developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy were twice as likely as their peers to match the criteria for ADHD by age six. Living in a low income or lower middle class income family again doubled the likelihood for ADHD.
News briefs: Province opens first ECE demo centre at SIAST
The first early childhood education demonstration centre is now open at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.
The centre has been operating for some time, but held its official opening on Dec. 10. It is located at SIAST’s Skills and Trades Centre, next to Mount Royal Collegiate.
There are 62 spaces for young children of SIAST faculty and students. The centre includes observation booths and closed circuit equipment that allows students in early childhood education classes to observe the children in the centre’s play rooms.
News briefs: Smart Cities team turns research into new game
The Smart Cities, Healthy Kids built environment study was featured in the Nov. 18 edition of the University of Saskatchewan’s On Campus News.
The article features some of the current SCHK projects, including upcoming workshops, A Method to the Madness: Successfully Managing a Research Project. The event will even include a game the Smart Cities team has invented called Researchopoly. The workshops in Saskatoon and Regina filled up quickly and have a long waiting list.
Too many on-reserve students falling through the cracks
News briefs: ECD pioneer Dr. Fraser Mustard, 1927-2011
Dr. Fraser Mustard, the renowned early childhood development advocate, died of cancer on Nov. 16 at age 84.
He was born Oct. 16, 1927 in Toronto. After earning a medical degree from the University of Toronto, he became a clinician and researcher, initially in heart disease. Mustard was also a pioneer in the field of early childhood development.
“Fraser Mustard will be remembered as the great renaissance man of Canadian intellectual life,” said University of Toronto president David Naylor said in a U of T newsletter article. “He was an absolute giant, who had a huge impact on his country, and a man of unflagging curiosity and great generosity of spirit.”
News briefs: Children’s Advocate looks into custody case
Children’s Advocate Bob Pringle will be launching a “case assessment” to look into how the Ministry of Social Services handled a case involving a woman trying to regain custody of her children, according to a StarPhoenix story.
The move follows Justice Geoff Dufour’s criticism of the ministry for its attempts to remove two children from their mother on a permanent basis. Dufour has asked the ministry for a report explaining why it defied a court order allowing visits between the mother “Alice” and her children, aged three and five. The family’s identity is protected by a court order.
Pringle said the assessment is not a “full-blown review” but will examine the ministry’s written material on the case.
