SECD recognized as Feds launch new fund to strengthen communities, support social innovation research in Canadian colleges January 14 2015

The Hon. Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), recently announced a new Community and College Social Innovation Fund that will increase colleges’ capacity to engage in collaborative projects with community organizations and businesses to address such social issues as poverty, crime prevention, community safety and economic development.

“Our government understands that local community organizations are essential in addressing social issues like economic development, poverty, education and integration in Canadian communities,” says Holder (shown above, fifth from left). “The Community and College Social Innovation Fund will connect the innovative talent of researchers and students at colleges and polytechnics to meet the research needs of local community organizations to build stronger, safer, healthier communities.”

The Science of Early Child Development (SECD) was featured as an excellent example of such projects. Working with community and international partners, SECD is making the current science available to anyone who is interested in learning more about the profound impact of early child development on the health and well-being of both individuals and communities.

“We created a terrific online learning resource that is making a real contribution to the quality of education and training of parents, social workers, early child educators, nurses and other professionals working on the front line with children and families, not only here in Winnipeg, but across Canada and around the world,” says Janet Jamieson, Research Chair of the School of Health Sciences and Community Services and project lead for SECD, Red River College.

Holder made his announcement from RRC’s Roblin Centre, where he also met with Janet Jamieson, to discuss her department’s initiative.

Administered through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the fund allows colleges and polytechnics to partner with community organizations and businesses to apply for funding of up to $200,000 (plus an additional 20 per cent to offset overhead and administrative costs) to undertake collaborative projects that address community issues.

The new fund will provide $15 million over three years in support of social innovation projects, which could take the form of products, processes or programs that create positive social outcomes for communities.

“Social innovation requires breakthrough ideas, applied research and community collaboration,” says David Rew, Interim President of RRC. “We welcome the government’s recognition that colleges like RRC are instrumental in making meaningful contributions to advancing solutions to issues that face communities, not only in Manitoba, but [throughout the globe].”

Winter sessions dates for online course January 08 2015

Did you know that SECD offers a 40 hour online course?

Winter session start dates:

Feb. 19/15
Mar. 19/15

Want to explore the resource in a structured and in-depth way? Interested in a convenient and content rich professional development experience? Need to fill a provincial training requirement for Child Care Assistants or family child care providers?

Red River College offers a 10-week online course that uses readings, videos, and interactive games from the Science of Early Child Development (Introductory Ed.) to provide knowledge of child development and best practice. Online discussions engage participants and expand learning. Participants complete the work where and when they like.

Past participant comments:

“I really loved the fact that I could do the course from home. Also at my own pace. That helped me alot!”

“I found it easy to work through and I like that you could chat with others working through it as well.”

“The best.....I can use all my skills at my work place.”

For a preview of the SECD resource, click here. To register, click here or call 204-694-1789 or 1-866-242-7073 (toll free).

RRC releases documentary on Cuba's education system January 05 2015

Made possible by funding from the Bernard van Leer Foundation (The Hague), Educa a tu Hijo is a documentary by Red River College’s School of Health Sciences & Community Services featuring Cuba’s renowned integrated early childhood system.

Despite very challenging economic circumstances, Cuba has the highest literacy and health outcomes in Latin America. The documentary was developed in Spanish for Latin American audiences, as well as in English, to be included in RRC’s Science of Early Child Development (SECD) resource. Click here to view Educa a tu Hijo.