As the parent of a child eligible for Kindergarten this fall, you are invited to participate in a research study, conducted by Dr. Sheri-Lynn Skwarchuk of the University of Winnipeg and Dr. Jo-Anne LeFevre from Carleton University. Healthy Child Manitoba and the Manitoba Child Care Program are our partners in the project. This study will provide Canadians with an understanding of how children develop number skills, and how parents can facilitate learning in the home.

The study has two parts: a parent survey and a child assessment. If you agree to participate, you will be linked to a secure survey website. The survey will assess parent attitudes and experiences towards mathematics and education, expectations for their child, and home activities. The child assessment data for the study will be derived from the Early Development Instrument. Healthy Child Manitoba will conduct the Early Development Instrument screening, as a normal part of your child’s schooling, when your child enters Kindergarten in 2008.

All survey participants can enter a draw (via email address or home telephone number) for one of 10 Tim Hortons gift certificates ($5 value) or a gift basket donated by the Manitoba Children’s Museum. E-mail addresses and home phone numbers are collected and stored in separate places from survey responses so confidentiality can be maintained.