Child Development
Attachment is the connection a child forms towards her caregiver(s). This connection helps her to feel and stay safe, and make sense of her world.
Booklet, 2019
My Curious Brain is a fun, interactive, and educational book for parents and caregivers to teach their kids about how the brain works. When parents and caregivers have a greater understanding of how the brain works, they will better understand how to support their child and promote healthy brain development. With a greater awareness of how the brain works and with supportive caregivers, children can develop self-regulation skills and strategies to help them effectively deal with stress.
Brochure, Revised 2023
This brochure provides parents and caregivers with information on positional plagiocephaly, or “flat head”. Information includes how to prevent flat spots and what to do if a flat spot is found on baby’s head.
Brochure, Revised 2019
Although infant crying is normal, it can be very frustrating for caregivers. This brochure identifies strategies for dealing with a crying infant, as well as strategies for handling caregivers’ frustration. Ideal for use with all caregivers. For information aimed at professionals and service providers, see Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome) (resource 4-900).
Brochure, Revised 2019
This brochure outlines safe sleeping habits for babies to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It also provides information on breastfeeding and the importance of supervised “tummy time”.
Fact Sheet, Revised 2019
Explains what abusive head trauma is, including how and why it happens, the long-term effects, and how it can be prevented. Aimed at health professionals and service providers who work with families. For information aimed at caregivers, see When Your Baby Can’t Stop Crying (resource 4-902).
Fact Sheet, 2010
This fact sheet provides an overview of early childhood brain development and stresses the influences that experience and the environment have on optimal development. Early childhood is a time when there is rapid growth and development of the brain. At this time, parents and caregivers have an opportunity to impact brain development. This is also a time when the brain is the most vulnerable.
Lesson Plans, 2020
For use in conjunction with the Your Choices Matter Video and Facilitator’s Guide, the Your Choices Matter Lesson Plans are a way to take the discussion of infant mortality and health behaviours a step further. Each lesson addresses common risk factors for infant mortality and can help guide discussion about the impact of these risk factors for youth today and in the future, and for their future children. Each lesson has been linked to the Saskatchewan Curriculum and, where applicable, includes marking rubrics.
The Facilitator’s Guide and Lesson Plans can be used to engage youth and communities to have conversations about health and behaviour choices that they are making today to ensure the best health outcomes for themselves and their future children. The Guide provides background information and several lesson plans, which can be used in the classroom or in a group setting, to address the various topics introduced in the video.
Guide and Manual, Revised 2020
In conjunction with the Your Choices Matter Video, the Facilitator’s Guide can be used to engage youth and communities to have conversations about health and behaviour choices that they are making today to ensure the best health outcome for themselves and their future children. The guide provides background information and several lesson plans, which can be used in the classroom or in a group setting, to address the various topics introduced in the video.
While the Your Choices Matter Video is meant to introduce the topic of infant mortality and health behaviours, the lesson plans are a way to take this a step further. Each lesson addresses common risk factors for infant mortality and can help guide discussion about the impact of these risk factors for youth today and in the future, and for their future children. Each lesson has been linked to the Saskatchewan Curriculum and, where applicable, includes marking rubrics.
Information Card, 2022
The My Curious Brain Resource Room is an interactive virtual tool to help children and adults learn what happens in the brain and body when stress is experienced. This postcard provides the QR code and link to access the resource.
Information Card, Revised 2021
Written in plain language, this information card provides basic information about the importance of brain development during the early years. Practical tips to increase opportunities for children’s healthy development are included.
Information Card, Revised 2020
Written in plain language, this information card provides basic information about attachment … the connection that a baby forms with his caregivers that helps him to feel loved, secure, and safe.
Information Card, 2015
This information card is about temperament, the inherent and unique traits that influence how we interact with the world. Caregivers will be provided with information on why it is important to understand their children’s temperaments and how it affects behaviour.
Poster, 2022
The My Curious Brain Resource Room is an interactive virtual tool to help children and adults learn what happens in the brain and body when stress is experienced. This poster provides the QR code and link to access the resource.
Poster, 2008
These 8.5 x 11 inch posters, developed by Childbirth Graphics, assist healthcare professionals in discussing alcohol use with their patients. Although these posters do not focus on FASD, they can be used to help patients understand that alcohol is one of many factors which can impact the development of the fetus.
Poster, 2011
This brightly coloured wall hanging with the poem “Cherish Me for I am a Child” talks about the importance of a child growing up feeling safe, secure, and happy and in order for a child to do this he needs to be protected, cared for, and loved by the adults in his life. This can be used as a wall hanging for anyone to have in their home or office.
Report, 2022
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are childhood events that cause harm or distress and, as a result, disrupt the child’s health and development. The purpose of this report is to define ACEs and their impact on development, health, and well-being; describe how ACEs are identified in children ages 0 to 6; and investigate evidence-based practices being used with children ages 0 to 6 and parent/caregiver-child dyads to mitigate (make less severe or harmful) the impacts of ACEs in childhood and beyond.
“In November 2022 an Executive Summary was added to the report”.
Report, 2020
Pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a rising issue in Canada. Research shows an increasing prevalence of T2D in communities around the world, including in Canada. In Canada, some of the highest incidence rates are found in the First Nations pediatric population in the Prairie provinces. The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute partnered with Dr. Mark Inman (Pediatric Endocrinologist, Saskatchewan Health Authority) to bring together current evidence and data relevant to Saskatchewan and increase the understanding of the strengths, gaps, and needs related to pediatric T2D within Saskatchewan.
The partnership resulted in the development of this background report, based on a literature review, needs assessment survey, and environmental scan, which will inform future work regarding pediatric T2D in Saskatchewan. The report will be used first to inform the development of relevant resources for education and training for healthcare providers, and second, to develop appropriate education for patients and families, within the Saskatchewan context.
Report, 2017
This evidence summary summarizes evidence based guidelines on safe sleep and is intended for use by policy makers, healthcare providers, and service providers.
Report, 2016
This report provides information about current child death review processes that exist in each of the provinces and territories in Canada, based on interviews with key informants in each region. Particular attention is paid to those provinces with a coordinated, multi-disciplinary, provincial child death review process. Recommendations and advice for others initiating a child death review process are also included.
Report, 2009
This document was prepared to describe the relationship between modifiable risk factors and infant mortality. It is meant to provide guidance, strategies, and support to help expand or develop programs that may contribute to the reduction of infant mortality in Saskatchewan. It includes a review of the literature regarding prevalent risk factors associated with infant mortality, as well as identifying promising practices related to those modifiable risk factors.
Video, 2009
Gabor Maté, M.D. provides a clear explanation of addiction and its crucial relationship to brain development in early childhood and associated environmental conditions. Through a synthesis of clinical experience, cutting edge brain research, and spiritual teachings, Dr. Maté describes why we seek such destructive ways to comfort ourselves and why it is so difficult to stop. He explains the 4 basic systems involved with healthy development, as well as addiction, and why they are so powerful. Dr. Maté proposes a compassionate approach to healing and suggests that we need to widen our lens to look at the conditions in the world that drive and promote addiction versus health and balance.
Video, 2004
This DVD highlights expert information from two books Challenging Behaviors in Early Childhood Classroom Settings: Creating a Place for all Children and Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Early Childhood Settings: A Teacher’s Guide. The DVD uses footage from a daycare setting to highlight concepts that are introduced by experts throughout the film. Special attention is paid to methods that can be used to teach young children how to problem solve.
Video, 2011
Dr. Neufeld discusses ways to address challenging behaviour in children while maintaining attachment relationships. The eight sessions are as follows:
Video, 2008
This is part 2 of a 3-part series. This course is recommended for professional development purposes and should be used in a consecutive fashion as each session builds on previous information. As suggested by the title, the DVD speaks to the topic of helping children grow up. Sessions are broken down as follows:
Video, 2012
This is part 1 of a 3-part series. In this DVD, Dr. Neufeld examines the importance of the attachment relationship that children have with their caregivers and its continuance into adolescence. He discusses the difficulties that can occur if attachments to peers begin to compete with the attachment children have with their caregiver(s).
Video, 2008
This lecture series features Dr. Bruce Perry sharing information about the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. This series can be used for professional education. The series is separated into 8 parts as follows:
Video, 2004
This DVD consists of seven, half-hour presentations focused on child maltreatment and trauma. Dr. Bruce Perry, from the ChildTrauma Academy, presents information on the following topics:
Video, 2004
In this DVD, Dr. Bruce Perry outlines the core strengths that, if developed in early childhood, help children to grow into creative, social, humane, and caring humans. These core strengths are only expressed if a child is given opportunities to develop them. They include attachment, self-regulation, affiliation, attunement, tolerance, and respect.
Video, 2005
Finding out that your child has special needs is the beginning of a remarkable journey. Whether your child is developmentally delayed or has a significant physical disability, you want your child to be happy and safe, and to develop to her fullest potential.
In this video, families of children with special needs share their stories to help others in similar circumstances understand that, while every child is unique, there are common experiences, emotions, and challenges families are likely to encounter as they work to help their child.
This video provides information on:
Video, 2007
Video, 2000
Negative emotions (anger, sadness, fear, jealousy) and the difficult behaviours that may follow (temper tantrums, whining) are normal in young children. Research has shown that not learning to manage negative emotions in the early years may result in later problems. This videotape suggests how parents can help young children understand their difficult feelings and express these feelings in ways that are socially acceptable. The information is presented in clear language and is suitable for parents from many cultures.
Video, 2001
The following DVDs are part of a series entitled “The Secret Life of the Brain”.
This series examines brain development and function throughout the lifetime, from prenatal development to later life. Presenting personal stories, the series highlights various diseases and disabilities, and describes the cutting edge research and resulting knowledge about the brain.
Video, 2011
In this two-hour seminar, Dr. Gordon Neufeld explores what play is, the benefits of play, and what is needed for children to play. Dr. Neufeld explains that play is not an option; it is a developmental requirement. Through various examples, he explores the three basic tenants of play: 1) Play is not work, 2) Play is expressive and exploratory, and 3) Play is “not for real”.
Video, 2008
Imagine being thrust into a world where you cannot speak, can barely move, and must unravel the meaning behind a maze of sounds and sights in order to survive. This is the world of the baby.
Series Two of this groundbreaking program takes a look inside the mind of a baby, revealing how they think, communicate, and observe. Episodes include: To Feel, To Belong, and To Relate. Also includes segments on less common baby names and their meanings, and baby trivia.
Video, 2004
Imagine you’re suddenly thrust into a world where you can’t speak, can barely move, and must unravel the meaning behind a maze of sounds and sights in order to survive. This is the world of the baby.
For the first time, experience the first two years of a child’s life just as they do. This groundbreaking program reveals what only the little ones know. What is their most profound need? How do they REALLY see their parents? What does it feel like to struggle to walk or learn to speak?
It’s an incredible journey each of us has taken – but none of us remember. Get a carpet-and-crib-eye view of the baby’s world as they take their first humorous, death-defying, wondrous steps into life.
Episodes include: To Walk, To Think, and To Talk. Also includes segments on baby trivia, and common baby names and their meanings.
Video, 2000
Graham Greene narrates this video that describes strategies for reducing the occurrence of SIDS. Discussion of SIDS and the risk reduction strategies involve key interviews with Aboriginal parents, health professionals, and an Elder. The video is accompanied by a study guide, which can be used to lead group discussion. Audience: expectant parents, caregivers, health professionals.
Video, 2000
Elijah’s Story is the true story of a 16-month-old baby boy who was shaken to death by his biological father. The film follows the young family from the birth of Elijah to the 911 emergency call and sentencing hearing. Testimonies are given by Elijah’s mom and grandparents, as well as by the doctor, detective, and judge in the case. Elijah’s mom shares her emotions as she tries to go on, and Elijah’s dad speaks out from prison, encouraging others to learn from his mistakes.
Video, 2000
Certain caregiver behaviours can be frightening to a young child and may contribute to disorganized attachment. As a result, serious emotional and behavioural problems can develop. This video is designed to help parents recognize and prevent interactions with their children that may be harmful. Simple examples of harmful caregiving behaviours are demonstrated with explanations of why they might frighten children. As well, more positive ways to interact with children are suggested. The information is presented in clear language and is suitable for parents from many cultures.
Video, 2000
This video addresses the development and importance of an infant’s attachment relationship with parents in the first year of life. It uses the ideas of attachment theory and research to help focus on different ways parents or other caregivers may respond to infants’ cries. It also shows how infants are likely to interpret the responses of caregivers. The information is presented in clear language and is suitable for parents from many cultures.
Video, 2007
Listening to Baby is an interactive DVD about the importance of supporting attachment by noticing, understanding, and responding with sensitivity to babies’ cues. This DVD is a rich and multifaceted teaching tool developed primarily for a parent audience but with potential to be used in education and other settings. Messages are told mostly in the voices of parents and illustrated by beautiful images of their babies, from 2 weeks to 16 months of age.
Social Determinants of Health
Children are at an even higher risk from environmental factors (social determinants of health) because they are completely reliant on others. Experiencing challenges with one or two social determinants will not necessarily have an influence on family and child health, however, as the number of determinants negatively impacting a family increases, the risks also increase.
Experiencing challenges with one or two social determinants will not necessarily have an influence on family and child health; however, as the number of determinants negatively impacting a family increases, the risks also increase.