On MY Way

On MY Way: A Guide to Support Middle Years Child Development is a comprehensive developmental framework to support children ages 6–12, and is based on up-to-date evidence on middle childhood development.

Through an emerging, growing body of research, we know that the middle years is a critical period of transition and development with lifelong impacts. However, the body of evidence on middle childhood development is relatively small compared to that for the early years (from birth to age six) and youth (ages 12-25). Further, research on development during this period is not as widely and readily available compared to the other stages.

This resource describes what the leading research tells us about how middle years children are changing across Cognitive, Physical, Emotional, Social and Communication domains. It also considers the role that individual self, spirit, context and culture play in influencing these changes.

It describes what parents, caregivers and other caring adults can do to support optimal development during middle childhood, and helps define the most critical opportunities for early interventions that will have an impact on the future. It also supports evidence-based planning and service delivery by community partners, educators, service providers, philanthropic partners, municipal partners, and policy and decision makers — all with a shared goal of supporting optimal middle years child development.

By working to connect more individuals and organizations with research on what middle years children need, we improve our collective ability to effectively support the wellbeing of our children.

Who is this for?

This resource is intended for all those who play a role in or influence the lives of middle years children, including:

  • parents, caregivers and caring adults
  • Elders, Senatorsfootnote 1 and traditional knowledge keepersfootnote 2
  • community leaders and community groups
  • educators and learning institutions
  • agencies and organizations that serve children
  • health care providers
  • planners, policy makers and decision makers
  • philanthropic organizations and individuals

How do I use it?

Child development is an interconnected and fluid process. It is experienced through the lens of culture and identity, and influenced by experience and context. As a result, development is best understood and supported with the whole child in mind.

Accordingly, this resource is intended to be read as a whole. It should be viewed with the understanding that each child’s developmental journey is unique and is shaped by their experience and context, or circumstances. Reading only one section or domain within the document will not present the full picture of how middle years children are growing, learning and developing during this period.

The reader also needs to keep in mind that child development is dynamic, and does not move in a straight line. Children move along the developmental continuum at their own pace.

Acknowledgements

The On My Way resource was developed over the course of a year with support and input from many people, including child development experts, researchers, Indigenous partners, families, community partners, and the ministries of Children and Youth Services; Education; Tourism, Culture and Sport and Health and Long-Term Care.

The Ministry of Children and Youth Services appreciates the contributions of the organizations and individuals that shared their expertise, perspectives and experiences:

Families

We would like to thank the many families across the province that shared insights on parenting children in the middle years. The following groups and organizations supported outreach and helped to bring these families together:

  • Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf
  • Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay Britannia Woods Community House
  • Centre Psychosocial d’Ottawa
  • Dilico Child and Family Services
  • Halton Multicultural Council Connections
  • Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs
  • Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre
  • Middle Childhood Matters Coalition
  • Ontario Inuit Children’s Centre
  • Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa
  • Reach Out Centre for Kids
  • Tungasuvvingat Inuit
  • Weechi-it-te-win Family Services

Child Development Experts And Authors Of Middle Years Research Papers

  • Dr. Chunlei Lu, Brock University
  • Dr. Gordon Flett, York University
  • Dr. James Côté, University of Western Ontario
  • Dr. Jan Willem Gorter, McMaster University
  • Dr. Jennifer Connolly, York University
  • Dr. Jennine S. Rawana, York University
  • Dr. Joel Lopata, Western University, Joel Lopata Consulting
  • Dr. Kate Tilleczek, University of Prince Edward Island
  • Dr. Michelle Jetha, Cape Breton University
  • Dr. Sidney J. Segalowitz, Brock University
  • Dr. Susan Scott, Lakehead University
  • Estelle Simard, MSW, RSW, ABD, The Institute for Culturally Restorative Practices
  • Dr. Karen MacLeod, Lutherwood
  • Marni Herold, Lutherwood
  • Dr. Angela Hovey, Lakehead University
  • Dr. Les Fleischer, Lakehead University

Expert Advisors

  • Andrea Breen, University of Guelph
  • Cindy Blackstock , First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, and McGill University
  • Dr. Christopher Mushquash, Lakehead University
  • Dr. Elizabeth Lee Ford-Jones, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto
  • Dr. Jean Clinton, McMaster University
  • Dr. John Cairney, University of Toronto
  • Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl, University of British Columbia
  • Dr. Leena K. Augimeri, Child Development Institute (CDI) and University of Toronto
  • Dr. Nancy Young, Laurentian University
  • Dr. Rose Cameron, Algoma University
  • Mary Jo Wabano, Naandwechige-Gamig Wiikwemkoong Health Centre
  • Tina Bobinski, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
  • The Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities

Indigenous Partners

  • Anishinabek Nation and the Union of Ontario Indians
  • Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI)
  • Chiefs of Ontario
  • Grand Council Treaty #3
  • Independent First Nations
  • Métis Nation of Ontario
  • Nishnawbe Aski Nation
  • Ontario Federation of Indigenous
  • Friendship Centres
  • Ontario Native Women’s Association
  • Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre
  • Six Nations of the Grand River
  • Tungasuvvingat Inuit

Footnotes

  • footnote[1] Back to paragraph "Senators" have a special place in Métis culture, the Métis Nation of Ontario and in its governance structure. Highly respected for their knowledge, values, and experience, Senators provide an elder’s presence at community events and meetings, and they help to keep Métis culture alive by sharing Métis traditions and ways of life (Métis Nation of Ontario).
  • footnote[2] Back to paragraph "Traditional knowledge keepers" include Elders, Senators and other people who pass down knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditions.