Early years​

Curriculum resources for the early years

This section includes curriculum resources on the following topics for the early years:

• aggressive behaviour
• diversity
• substance use.

Aggressive behaviour: Curriculum resources

Aggression among children is an important issue. Children who behave aggressively may harm not only themselves, but others. Moreover, children with serious aggression problems are more likely than children without such problems to become teenagers who have problems with aggression, with other mental health issues, or with substance use.

• Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program for children in kindergarten to Grade 8. The program raises children's social and emotional competence, increases empathy and reduces aggressive behaviour.

Diversity: Curriculum resources

People who experience prejudice and discrimination based on who they are (e.g., in terms of their age, gender, sexual orientation or culture) face negativity and barriers that can increase their chances of developing a mental health or addiction problem. Addressing issues of diversity in the pre-school or classroom context helps all children develop respectful attitudes toward others – regardless of their differences – and reduces the likelihood that any child will experience unwanted behaviour as a result of his or her differences.

The purpose of Around the Rainbow: Toolkit for Educators and Service Providers Working with GLBTTQ Parents and Their Children, produced by Family Services à la famille Ottawa, is to share knowledge about and highlight issues unique to gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer and questioning parents and their children. The toolkit, designed for educators of children up to six years, helps create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all children.

Substance use: Curriculum resources

Substance use is common in Canadian society and in cultures around the world. Teaching children about substance use at an early age helps them understand why some substances can be helpful (e.g., medicine prescribed for them) while others can be harmful.

• The Ontario Physical and Health Education Association's Take Action classroom-based program supports educators and engages school communities by providing information and safety awareness about the use of medicines and other potentially harmful drugs. Take Action consists of cross-curricular components that link to the Ontario Health and Physical Education curriculum.