Author: Agata Stefanowicz

  • Data in Action
    Moving Data to Action in the Middle Years: United Way BC

    The middle years are a formative stage of life, when children in Grades 4-8 begin shaping their identity and asking important questions: Do I belong here? Am I safe being myself? Do adults care about me? Is there a place for me in this community? A Long-Standing Partnership Since 2009, United Way BC and the … Continued

  • Media
    Starting kindergarten? Expert tips for a smooth school transition

    Research shows kindergarten readiness shapes learning years later. UBC early-childhood development expert Dr. Magdalena Janus shares tips for making the transition as easy as 1-2-3. Across Canada, thousands of children are getting ready to step into classrooms for the first time. It’s an exciting milestone, but the transition to kindergarten can also be a stressful … Continued

  • Faculty
    Drs. Anne Gadermann & Eva Oberle appointed interim Co-Directors, Human Early Learning Partnership

    We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Anne Gadermann and Dr. Eva Oberle as interim Co-Directors of the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP), effective to September 30, 2027. Drs. Gadermann and Oberle will take on this role while Dr. Mariana Brussoni is on a one-year administrative leave. Dr. Gadermann is an associate professor … Continued

  • Media
    Children of mothers with congenital heart disease face higher risk of developmental vulnerability

    New UBC research highlights importance of ensuring children and families receive the care and resources they need. Children born to mothers with congenital heart disease are more likely to experience developmental challenges by the time they start school, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of British Columbia and the Karolinska … Continued

  • News
    Canada’s new pan-Canadian standard for substance-use prevention and response in K–12 schools released

    New national guidance targets substance-use prevention and response in Canadian schools A national coalition has released Canada’s new standard for substance-use prevention, education and intervention in K–12 schools. The new framework, part of an initiative called Anchoring Change, provides evidence-based direction for schools across the country to support young people navigating an ever more complex … Continued

  • Indigenous
    Building meaningful, reciprocal relationships between Indigenous communities and research institutions: Roots Circle Initiative Reflection

    Aria Viveiros, Roots Circle Project Coordinator, provides a reflection from the recent programming from the Roots initiative.

  • News
    EDI Wave 9 Data (2022-2026): Now Available on the Data Dashboard

    HELP is pleased to announce that the Early Development Instrument (EDI) Data Dashboard has now been updated with Wave 9 data (collected between 2022- 2026) from across BC!   In Wave 9, 37.3% of children were vulnerable on one or more areas of development measured by the EDI. This is the highest BC rate of developmental vulnerability … Continued

  • Media
    Kids who take risks at play make faster, smarter decisions in traffic

    Researchers used virtual reality to discover that children who embrace risky play develop sharper street-crossing skills Children who take more risks on the playground make safe decisions more quickly when crossing a busy street.  That’s the central finding of a new study by researchers from UBC and Queen Maud University College in Norway, and it may … Continued

  • Events
    Children in the Middle Years: Trends in Well-being & Community Connections

    Join us for an engaging webinar exploring trends in data collected through the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) and examples of moving the data to action in BC. Dr. Eva Oberle will discuss trends in well-being and how children spend their out-of-school time in the neighbourhood, on screens, outdoors and more.

  • News
    HELP Releases First CHEQ Provincial Summary

    HELP is pleased to announce the release of the online 2026 Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (CHEQ) Provincial Summary. Completed by parents/caregivers of children at the start of their kindergarten year, CHEQ data offer a valuable window into the lived experiences of young children and their caregivers across the province.