The Founders' Network (1996 - 2012 ) linked a diverse group of individuals from across Canada and in other countries. It was an international collection of people interested in promoting the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), science and technology, early childhood, economic issues, determinants of health and human development.

In doing so, the Network broke down barriers between specialists and disciplines, and between thinking and the real world. The result was innovative thinking from pooled knowledge that proposed practical solutions for our societies, particularly in the area of Early Childhood Development.

The Richmond Street offices in Toronto closed at the end of January 2012.

Email:




The Early Years Study 3: Making Decisions, Taking Action (EYS3) was released in the fall of 2011. This report is a call to action, urging governments and communities to act so all children may have access to high quality early childhood education. EYS 3 builds on the new science of early child development and its lifetime implications for learning, behaviour and health and summarizes the economic rationale for investing in early childhood education for all children. As a unique feature it looks at the progress made in each jurisdiction since the 2006 report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development revealed how badly Canada was failing its youngest citizens with the lowest level of funding and access for early childhood programs among the 20 countries studied.

The report introduces the Early Childhood Education Index 2011, a snapshot of the provinces’ systems' achievements for early childhood program governance, funding, access, quality and accountability. The Index fills a void in systems monitoring and is designed to be updated at regular intervals.

The report carries forward Fraser Mustard's voice, wisdom and passion. It is part of the legacy he is leaving for all of us.

The Early Years Study 3 website and report are here. Early Years Study 3



The Early Years Study 2 report focused on the policy framework necessary to improve conditions in early childhood, with a view of improving the health of the population.

Early Years Study 2: Putting Science into Action



The seminal Early years study: Reversing the real brain drain (1999) describes the critical importance of children's early interactions in shaping their development.

Early Years Study 1



There are two reports:  [1] The short report for the Premier and Cabinet; [2] the long report for the Ministry of Education and Children's Services [DECS].  Dr. Mustard was asked to be the Adelaide Thinker in Residence working through Premier Rann's office.  The theme that he was to work with was closing the gap between what we know and what we do in respect to Early Human Development.  The government of South Australia has set out Early Child Development Centres as part of the primary schools.

To access the reports, go to: Investing in the Early Years: Closing the gap between what we know and what we do