Early Human Developmental Vulnerability in the Inner City

Clyde Hertzman

Equity from the Start

Eliminate Inequality in Early Child

Development

Early Development Instrument

• 104 items• Extensive validity and reliability

data from several countries• Not a test• Teacher at age 5 is respondent• Five developmental domains,

with sixteen subdomains• A guide with explanations

available

What Does the EDI Measure?

EDI is:-a population-based tool -a mobilisation tool-a monitoring tool

EDI is not:-an individual assessment-a prescription for action-perfect

The Challenge of Equity from the Start

• No neighbourhood has the majority of the vulnerability

• Virtually all BC neighbourhoods have more vulnerability than they should

• Therefore, improved investment in early human development is a priority everywhere

• In Canada, quality programs become sustainable when the middle class uses them

• Therefore, truly achieving ‘equity from the start’ means ‘proportionate universality’ (i.e. a universal approach, adaptable to local challenges, with resource supplements for high vulnerability areas)

www.earlylearning.ubc.ca