Quebec’s future starts with its youngest
By supporting early childhood development, you are helping our entire society thrive.
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The first five years of life are the most critical period of human development. This is when children build the cognitive, emotional and social foundations that will shape their future.
Quebec is often held up as a great place for families to live. But with public services under increasing strain and child poverty on the rise, this is becoming harder to sustain.
The number of children five and under living in a low-income family grew nearly 30% between 2021 and 2023
43.8% of kindergarten-aged children living in low-income households exhibit vulnerability in at least one area of development.
November 16–22, 2026
Early Childhood Week is a chance to reaffirm our collective commitment to our littlest citizens and ensure they all have an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.
Join us!
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3… 4!
Show your colours
We’ve created a colour-in poster for this year’s Early Childhood Week. Get creative with your palette, then display your finished masterpiece in a window or share it online for everyone to see. It’s a great way to show what you stand for — and get your budding artists involved!
Download the Colour-In PosterJoin our plushie protest
Together, we have the power to drive change and put early childhood development at the top of the agenda, where it belongs. Even our fuzzy friends are ready to stand up for the rights of babies, toddlers and preschoolers across Quebec!
During Early Childhood Week (November 16–22), take a picture of your favourite plush pal holding a sign with this year’s rallying cry, “Quebec’s Future Starts with Its Youngest,” and post it online using the hashtag #ECW2026.
Make and wear a blankie square
Soft to the touch, but fierce in the fight against inequality, the blankie square has been a symbol of our unwavering support for young children for over a decade.
You can cut one out in a snap — and use it as a reminder all week long of what we are advocating for.
Create a DIY Blankie Square
Fly your flag with pride
By raising the Early Childhood Week flag in your community, you’ll be showing your support for what the event stands for. Over the past four years, municipalities across the province have embraced this pledge to take action and foster early childhood development.
On November 16, let your values soar!
Get Your Municipality to Take PartSee if your community is planning to raise our flag
Check our list of participating cities and towns to find out whether yours has already indicated its intention to take part in the flag-raising ceremony.
See the ListIf you don’t see your municipality on the list, why not reach out to your local officials and encourage them to join this province-wide initiative on November 16?
Are you passionate about issues related to early childhood development? We have even more resources made especially for you.
Change will only happen if we work together. That’s why we’ve created a selection of tools for the public and those working in early childhood development to help spread the word about why these issues matter.
Download Our Advocacy Materials
In keeping with our mission, we also offer a range of resources developed by and for First Nations communities to foster connection and collaboration.
Download First Nations Advocacy MaterialsEvery year, there are hundreds of activities hosted by Early Childhood Week partners in communities across Quebec.
Have a closer look to see what’s happening near you.
Why support early childhood development?
Today’s tots
are tomorrow’s changemakers.
If we don’t give them every opportunity now, we’re depriving them of a future full of possibilities. Equal opportunity is more than an abstract principle or an unreachable ideal — it’s the bedrock of a fairer, more prosperous society.
“I don’t have kids, so why should I care?”
Our healthcare system, the infrastructure we use every day, the businesses that create and maintain jobs, the art that defines our culture and identity, the policies and laws that lead us forward… every aspect of our society is — and will continue to be — shaped by people who were once children themselves. It’s hard to imagine an issue with a broader impact!
Today
in
Quebec
-
1 in 5
babies
is born into disadvantaged circumstances -
50% of food bank users have children
-
47,000 families with one or more children under five live in a space that is too small for their needs
It’s time for a change:
Grab your favourite stuffed animal and stand up for the rights of our littlest citizens!
Post your plushie protest pics between November 16 and 22 with the hashtag #ECW2026