WINNIPEG – Students and professionals can now access online learning resources on prenatal and child development free.
The Science of Early Child Development, SECD for short, includes regularly updated living textbooks and modules that offer current research and links to practice through a convenient online platform, accessible via computer, tablet and smartphone.
“We are making a first-of-its-kind investment in the early years fields in Manitoba to increase professional development opportunities, encourage independent study, strengthen the sectors that work with children and families, and improve the quality of services for Manitoba families,” Minister Fielding said in a release. “Living textbooks are a cost-effective way to continually expand knowledge, provide educational opportunities and relay the latest research for everyone involved in the early learning and child-care sector.”
The province will provide $365,000 to Red River College through the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement with the federal government to open up province wide access for two living textbooks and three additional modules. This will eliminate the license fee currently required to register.
RRC researched and developed the SECD initiative in partnership with the University of Toronto and the Aga Khan Development Network. These resources are currently used in other jurisdictions but this is the first time they are being made openly available in Manitoba. The site is updated regularly and includes readings, videos of children’s programs around the world, interviews with experts, links to reports and websites, reflection questions and interactive activities.
“Red River College is proud to be a leader in social innovation in Manitoba,” said Paul Vogt, president and CEO of RRC. “The SECD resource is a globally recognized, successful research and resource tool that is elevating the success of our early childhood educators within the classroom. We are pleased that this Manitoba-made, award-winning research and educational resource, created right here at Red River College by our knowledgeable staff and faculty, will now continue to provide all front-line child-care workers in the province with the tools, skills and training necessary to shape young minds and build a strong foundation for bright futures.”
Manitobans can access SECD at https://content.scienceofecd.com/mbaccess. Available resources include the living textbook, Child Development Primer / Introduction au développement de l’enfant modules and Prenatal Development, geared to the public health sector.