BUILDING BETTER FUTURES

Data Driven

We study how policies, organizational practices and curricula contribute to inequities in early childhood education and care (ECEC), formal education, and youth training. We do this using our expertise in working with administrative and survey data, along with state–of–the–art data analytics. We are skilled at using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. We embrace the possibilities in using technology, including AI, in answering research questions.

Better analysis of inequities and evaluation of programs and practices can highlight key shortcomings in service delivery. Investigating these important questions using a range of methods can better inform policymakers about why it is important to invest in ECEC, childhood education and youth training in Canada.

Equity focused

Our goal is to enhance program and policy development to decrease inequities in education. Our objectives are to recognize and address the intertwined identities and experiences shaping children and youth’s educational and developmental landscapes in Canada.

ECEC, education, and youth training inequities in Canada reflect disparities rooted in many factors, such as, but not limited to: socioeconomic status, race, geography, gender and sexual identity and orientation, disability, and culture.

In planning for evolving futures in a rapidly changing world, policies and programs must account for changing content and curriculum needs, while also paying attention to inequalities faced by developing learners and their families. 

Community Engaged

Our researchers identify ways to support children and youth in ECEC, childhood education, and youth training systems. We work in direct partnership with organizations across Canada, helping them improve their programs and services, and advocate for vital change.

Many organizations involved in ECEC, education, and youth training are keen to understand inequities, develop ways to decrease them, and institute policies to promote equity. However, organizations alone do not typically have capacity, expertise or resources to carry out in-depth research in addition to providing important services.

We work with groups directly to analyze and understand their specific equity issues, pilot and test new ways to help, and develop effective policy to formalize important change.