What is the Make Children First Network?

A group of service providers, passionate about improving supports to families with very young children, began working together in 1995. Over the next decade, the Network evolved to include many community partners, all of whom have a role in making lives better for children.

The Make Children First Network plans for appropriate and effective services, supports and learning opportunities for all children from “zero to six”. Network members take back information to share with colleagues and the families they work with.

What do we do?

• Work together
• Spread the word about the importance of the early years
• Understand our community through research
• Plan together
• Advocate for children
• Allocate new and existing resources
• Evaluate our progress

Projects

• Family Calendar 2006, 2007, 2008 available in November
• Forest Fest Family Fun Tent
• Play and Learn Family Fair
• Hands on Sheets
• Children – an Opportunity for Business event Nov 2006
• Cultural Event Sept 2007
• Partners in projects such as: Here We Come, Cool Cooks, EDI

Our Vision

The Make Children First Network envisions:

All young children in the Alberni Valley living in a community that values, nourishes, protects and loves them and that works together to provide them with everything they need for optimal development.

Our Guiding Principles

collaborative... empowering... evidence-based... family-centered...

For more information on the Alberni Valley Make Children First Network, please contact:

Tracy Smyth, Tammy Dewar (Community Facilitators)
Make Children First Network

For more information on the Provincial Children First and Success By 6 visit :

• http://www.bcchildrenfirst.ca
• http://www.successby6bc.ca