Atkinson Centre for Society & Child Development
Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development
Established in 2000, the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development strives to mobilize the best available evidence to strengthen the quality of early childhood practice and inform public policy and discourse. In partnership with George Brown Polytechnic's School of Early Childhood, the Centre provides training in policy research to undergraduate and graduate students. The Centre is guided by an understanding of the reciprocal nature of research, policy and practice and works in collaboration with advocates and researchers across Canada.
Spotlight
Reconciliation Begins in the Early Years
The Atkinson Centre produces a weekly e-Newsletter, sharing Events, News Items, and Research & Resources related to Early Childhood Education and Family Support.
Implementing The Seamless Day Model - A Comprehensive Guide for School Board Extended-day Program
NOW AVAILABLE – A Guide to School-Age Care
Implementing The Seamless Day Model - A Comprehensive Guide for School Board Extended-day Program
This Implementation Guide serves as a practical guide for jurisdictions interested in exploring or implementing a school board-operated extended day model. The guide provides an overview of key implementation considerations, including partnership development, governance, staffing, financial considerations, fee structures, space-sharing, summer programming, and the resources and tools that support the model's infrastructure and delivery.
ECE Workforce Knowledge Hub
ECE Workforce Knowledge Hub
A national effort to strengthen early learning and child care system building through workforce-focused policy knowledge. As an ECE Workforce Knowledge Hub, we convene expertise in educator competencies, professional learning, inclusion, decent work, labour economics, immigration, equity, and knowledge mobilization. Our role is to provide governments with evidence-informed guidance and practical tools to advance effective and sustainable workforce policies.
Most Recent Policy Monitor Updates
The Policy Monitor tracks Federal, Provincial and Territorial early childhood policy initiatives, developments and announcements.
Events
WEBINAR: Fostering joyful eaters through CELEBRATE Feeding
November 4, 2026
Food and feeding is an integral part of early learning and child care programs. In addition to regulations for the kinds of foods that are provided, many jurisdictions are including recommendations for responsive feeding environments that encourage children to development positive relationships with food, practice self-regulation through responding to hunger and fullness, and build comfort with a variety of foods and textures.
CELEBRATE Feeding (Coaching in Early Learning Environments to Build a Responsive Approach to Eating and Feeding) is an ongoing research initiative in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island that partners with early learning and child care settings in creating healthy eating environments that promote responsive feeding practices.
This session will introduce the principles of responsive feeding through the CELEBRATE Feeding Approach, including mealtime and feeding routines, supportive language, role modeling, cultural inclusion, and creative opportunities for children to learn about and explore food at their own pace. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the resources available and future opportunities to become involved to reshape the food and feeding environment in early learning and child care.
SAVE THE DATE: 23rd Annual Summer Institute on Early Childhood Development
April 30, 2027
SAVE THE DATE: The Summer Institute is an annual collaboration between the School of Early Childhood at George Brown Polytechnic and the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development at the University of Toronto. Each year, the Institute brings together educators, system leaders, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to explore pressing issues in the early years.
Additional event and registration details will be shared as they become available.
Please save the date and check back for updates.
