BC Council for Families

This February's Early Years Conference in Victoria attracted 550 delegates from all over BC, across Canada and internationally. Held in BC every two years since 1998, the conference gathers delegates specializing in early intervention, parent support programs, parent-child connection programs and childcare. It strengthens the abilities and connections amongst people working with young families and builds respect for the diversity of families in our province.

Dana Brynelsen, former Provincial Advisor of the Infant Development Programs of BC, received the Hillel Goelman Award for Outstanding Leadership in Professional Development in Early Childhood Intervention. Family Resource Programs of BC were also honoured at the conference reception.

Many of the presentations were based around incorporating the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into daily practice: non discrimination; devotion to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and respect for the views of the child. Sessions included challenges for Aboriginal children and the value of make-believe play in building character and resiliency.