Canadian Resources for Child Development
We've compiled a selection of trusted Canadian government resources to help you support your child's development across all five domains: gross motor, fine motor, language, cognitive, and social-emotional.
General Resources
Canadian Paediatric Society
Evidence-based information for parents on child and youth health, development, and well-being from Canada's pediatricians.
Public Health Agency of Canada
Resources on healthy pregnancy, child development, parenting, and family programs and services available to Canadians.
Gross Motor Development Resources
Active for Life
A Canadian not-for-profit organization that provides resources on physical literacy and movement skills development for children ages 0-12.
- Physical literacy activities
- Age-specific movement skill games
- Resources for parents and educators
ParticipACTION
A Canadian non-profit organization promoting physical activity with resources for encouraging movement in early childhood.
- Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
- Activity ideas for young children
- Resources for building physical literacy
Fine Motor Development Resources
CanChild - Motor Development Resources
A Canadian research center focused on childhood disability providing resources on fine motor development and activities.
- Fine motor skill development guides
- Research-based activities
- Resources for parents and professionals
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Professional association offering resources on fine motor skills and everyday activities to promote development.
- Parent handouts on fine motor development
- Activity recommendations by age
- Professional guidance on supporting fine motor skills
Language Development Resources
Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC)
A national organization of speech-language pathologists providing resources on language development milestones and activities.
- Development milestone charts
- Early language stimulation activities
- Resources for multilingual families
The Hanen Centre
A Canadian charitable organization offering resources focused on early language development and parent-led intervention.
- Language development resources
- Parent-child interaction strategies
- Early literacy development tips
Cognitive Development Resources
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development
A Canadian resource providing science-based information about the development and care of young children.
- Cognitive development information
- Expert-reviewed content
- Research-based recommendations
Provincial and Territorial Resources
Find early childhood development resources specific to your province or territory across Canada.
British Columbia
BC Early Years - Resources and programs supporting early childhood development.
Alberta
Family Resource Network - Prevention and early intervention services for families.
Saskatchewan
Early Learning and Child Care - Resources for parents and early childhood development.
Manitoba
Early Learning and Child Care - Programs and support for child development.
Ontario
EarlyON Child and Family Centres - Free programs for families with children up to 6 years old.
Quebec
Family Support Services - Resources and programs for early childhood development.
New Brunswick
Early Childhood Development - Services and programs supporting early years.
Nova Scotia
Early Childhood Development - Resources for families with young children.
Prince Edward Island
Early Childhood Development - Programs and resources for families.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Child and Family Development - Support for early childhood development.
Yukon
Early Learning and Child Care - Support and resources for families with young children.
Northwest Territories
Early Childhood Development - Programs and services for child development.
Nunavut
Early Childhood Resources - Programs supporting development for young children.
These resources are organized by province and territory to help you find local support for your child's development. Many provincial programs offer free services, workshops, and guidance specific to your region.
Social-Emotional Development Resources
Psychology Foundation of Canada
A Canadian charity providing resources on children's mental health and social-emotional development.
Strong Start, BC
A free early childhood program in British Columbia with resources on social-emotional development.