For immediate release
April 3, 2001

Early Years Expert Dr. Dan Offord at the
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board
April 9, 2002 at 10:00 am
in the Board Room, 156 Ann Street, Belleville

        Area residents will have an opportunity to hear from one of Ontario's leading experts on the development of children in the first six years of life. The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is hosting Dr. Dan Offord on April 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
        David R. (Dan) Offord is Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the Division of Child Psychiatry at  McMaster University, and Research Director of the Chedoke Child and Family Centre. Dr. Offord is also Director of the Centre for Studies of Children at Risk which focuses on policy issues, scientific research and training. He was a member of the Premier's Council on Health, Well-Being, and Social Justice until June 1995.
        "Whether you are a parent, grandparent, caregiver, educator, a person who works with children and families, or a resident of any of our neighbourhoods, Dr. Offord's presentation will be of interest," says Christine Zaporzan, Development Officer for the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.
        Dr. Offord will discuss the lasting impact that the first few years of a child's life have on personal prospects for success in all areas of life.  To get children off to a good start in life, he emphasizes that the preschool time frame should be the focal point.
While in Belleville Dr. Offord will be offering information regarding the Early Development Instrument (EDI). This screening tool measures children's readiness to learn at school and will be used to help communities in Hastings and Prince Edward assess how well they are doing in supporting young children and their families.
        For more information, call Christine Zaporzan, at the Board office at 966-9491 ext 2236 or email czaporzan@hpedsb.on.ca.
 

For information contact:
Christine Zaporzan, Development Officer, 966-9491 ext. 2236