The first five years of a child’s life are the most critical period in development. They are the foundation that shapes the child’s future health, happiness, growth, school success, and relationships. It is during these years in which the development of social skills, personality, cognitive skills, decision making skills, the ability to concentrate, and behaviour takes place. Early experiences provide the base for the brain’s development and have a direct impact on how children develop learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities.
The experiences children have in their first five years help shape the adults they’ll become. It is for this reason that the Smoky Lake Early Childhood Development Coalition strives to nurture and enrich the lives of children – and their parents – during this vital time of development.
The Smoky Lake Early Childhood Development Coalition is a dynamic group of community members and service providers who have come together to promote and enhance positive childhood development.
We offer free programming for children 0-5 years and their parents/caregivers and provide information and resources on early childhood development.