As part of its ongoing effort to prepare children for school, the provincial government is providing a $5-million grant to the Early Childhood Development Partnership for Success By 6, announced Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen and Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid today.

"Success By 6 supports and strengthens existing community services and helps to establish new early childhood development programs, providing children with the support they need to be physically, socially and emotionally ready to start school," said Christensen. "This funding will sustain the continuation and enhancement of these valuable services to support children throughout the province."

Established with an initial government investment of $10 million in 2003, Success By 6 is a partnership between the Ministry of Children and Family Development, United Ways of B.C., Credit Unions of B.C. and community leaders. The initiative works in local and Aboriginal communities to develop comprehensive, integrated service delivery systems that support children and families. Programs include early learning and literacy, nutrition, children's play, outreach programs, parenting and family skills development.

"Quality child care and early childhood development programs can have a tremendous impact on a child's success in life and on the well-being of the family unit," said Reid. "Success By 6 is an important and innovative initiative that helps to ensure children arrive at school ready to learn."

Research shows that social programs that best reflect the needs of local children and their families are more likely to achieve positive results for the entire community. Success By 6 is dedicated to ensuring children under age six and their families have access to programs that support their healthy growth and development.

"Early childhood programs are a wise investment. Programs that support children 0-6 and their parents can have a profound impact on the future success of our young people," said Michael McKnight, president and CEO of the United Way of the Lower Mainland. "We are pleased that the government recognizes our continued efforts in the Early Childhood Development Provincial Partnership."

Success By 6 aims to educate communities about the importance of early childhood development and mobilize local resources to invest in prevention-focused programs and services.

"We have a collective responsibility to raise children. As members of the community, Credit Unions know that investing in young children and their families will benefit everyone," said Kim Andres, vice-president of credit union development with Credit Union Central of British Columbia. "We look forward to another strong year of partnership with the ministry and United Ways."

The Victoria Conservatory of Music's 'Melodies & ABCs' is an example of a Success By 6 program that promotes interactive play, movement, song, speech, listening and creativity with children and parents, and was the location of today's announcement. For more information on Success By 6, visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/early_childhood/success.htm or
www.successby6bc.ca.