Research and Reports

Research and Reports

Publications about developing a policy framework, building partnerships within your community and children in their middle years

On this page, you can browse resources to increase your understanding of middle childhood and the policies and issues that affect them. You can learn new strategies for supporting and understanding children, developing partnerships in your community, and advocating for a cause you believe in. Looking for information on developing quality programs? Visit our Quality Programs section.

 

Strategies on Middle Childhood (Government and Institutions)

Toronto Middle Chilhood Strategy and Implementation Plan

Outlines the City of Toronto's commitment to develop a system of high quality programs licensed and unlicensed for children 6 to 12 years.

Gearing Up: A Strategic Framework to Help Ontario Middle Years Children Thrive

Prepared by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services, this strategic framework serves to inform the development of policies and programs to help middle years children thrive.

Toronto Public Library's Middle Childhood Framework

Outlines TPL's commimtent to supporting children ages 6-12 and their families

 

Policies affecting Middle Years (Government and Institutions)

Toronto District School Board - Policy P022 - Early Learning and Care Policy

Guides system planning, implementation, and improvement across a range of early years programs for children from birth to age 12. These include child care in schools, child and family programs, Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK) and elementary education, and before- and after-school programs.

 

Building a Policy Framework for Middle Childhood

Middle Childhood Matters: An Inventory of Full-Week After-School Programs for Children 6-12 Years in Toronto

Prepared by the Community Social Planning Council Toronto in partnership with Middle Childhood Matters Coalition Toronto (2009), this research report Investigates the availability of after-school-time programs in Toronto that accommodate children in their middle years.

Middle Childhood Matters: Towards an Agenda for 6-12

This report (2005) released by the National Children’s Alliance includes recommendations on how to include children in the middle years in the national agenda of the Canadian government.

Strengthening Relationships and Building Public Will for Out-of-School Time Programs

Prepared by the National League of Cities (n.d.), this report outlines specific actions that municipal leaders can take in their communities and presents brief city profiles to illustrate how they have been used develop comprehensive out-of-school-time systems.

    The Review of the Roots of Youth Violence (executive summary)

    A landmark study prepared for the Government of Ontario, this report assesses where youth violence comes from. It highlights the importance of the hours between 3pm and 6pm as a “prime time for crime” and suggests out-of-school-time programs can be used to prevent crime.

     

    Developmental Needs of Children Ages 6-12

    Middle Years Development Instrument

    Developed by the University of Bristish Columbia, the MDI is a self-report questionnaire completed by children in Grade 4 and Grade 7. It asks them how they think and feel about their experiences both inside and outside of school. It is used by schools, communities, researchers, governments and policy makers to better understand the needs of children ages 6-12. 

    On My Way: A Guide to Support Middle Years Child Development

    Prepared by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services, this developmental framework is designed for parents, teachers and service providers to support middle years child development.

    AboutKidsHealth - School Age Child Learning Hub

    From the Hospital for Sick Children, this website contains information about the typical physical, emotional and communication milestones for school-age children.

     

    Research hubs

    Raising the Village

    Developed by the Toronto Child and Family Network, this website serves to improve outcomes for Toronto's children and families. It has interactive tools for exploring data, information on community determinants that affect outcomes, and resources for improving child and family wellbeing.

    The National Benefits Hub

    Research hub that includes the personal, social, economic and environmental benefits of recreation.