Request for Proposals
Date: June 25, 2008

Report on the Relationship between Early Child Development and the Development of Chronic Disease

Best Start Resource Centre, Health Nexus

Deadline for Proposals: July 16, 2008

The Best Start Resource Centre is seeking a researcher/writer to research and write a report about the relationship between early child development and the development of chronic disease.

Purpose: 
This report will be developed for a range of service providers and policy makers who work in or provide support to the early child development sector. The report will be written through a health promotion lens and will focus on key determinants of health related to young children (aged 0-6) and development of chronic disease. The report will summarize existing research. It is expected to inform and make a strong case for policy change.

Project Overview:
This project will be guided by an Advisory Committee of experts in early child development and chronic disease. The report will be produced in English and will be approximately 12,000 - 15,000 words in length. The report will be completed and ready for typesetting by March 31st, 2009. Once completed, it will be promoted through listservs and e-bulletins. It will be available in print and electronic format through the Best Start Resource Centre website. The project will be highlighted in a workshop session at the annual Best Start conference in mid-February, 2009.

Preliminary Content Area:
* literature review of existing research, highlighting the areas of strong correlation between early child development and the development of chronic disease.
* the value and importance of addressing key determinants of health during the early years to prevent chronic disease (see http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/index.html#determinants )
* focus on specific examples of chronic disease (examples: obesity, cancer, diabetes, asthma and respiratory disease)
* key recommendations for policy change
* list of relevant resources and references

Audience: 
This report is for service providers who work in or provide support to the early child development sector as well as for those whose work focuses on chronic disease. The audience could include early learning and child care providers, public and community health practitioners, consolidated municipal service managers, district social service administration boards, program advisors and supervisors, policy analysts, educators, researchers, government, students and health advocates.  

Methodology:
The successful applicant will:
* work with Best Start (Project Lead and Information Specialist) and an Advisory Committee to further define the methodology and content for the report
* with assistance and input of the Information Specialist, complete a review of relevant literature related to early child development and chronic disease
* examine any resources developed on this topic for this audience
* synthesize evidence
* make key recommendations for policy change, as appropriate
* draft a report and finalize the text based on input from Best Start, the Advisory Committee and expert reviewers
* present a two-hour workshop session highlighting the project at the annual Best Start conference in mid-February in Toronto

Best Start has a maximum of $10,000 available for this contract (including all costs and relevant taxes).

Requirements:
The successful applicant will:
* demonstrate strong analytical, research and writing skills
* be able to interpret, assess and synthesize information clearly and succinctly
* have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the area of early child development and/or chronic disease

To Apply:
Interested individuals are requested to submit a brief proposal which should:
* demonstrate the applicant's knowledge, skills and experience to successfully fulfill this contract
* identify the approach the applicant will take in researching and writing the report
* indicate the fee, including all related costs

Completion Date: March 31, 2009
Deadline for applications: July 16, 2008 at 5:00 pm (EST)

To submit a proposal, email, fax or mail it to:
RFP: ECD and Chronic Disease
Best Start Resource Centre
C/o Health Nexus
180 Dundas St. West, Suite 1900
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z8
Fax: 416-408-2249
Email: [log in to unmask]

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Best Start Resource Centre is a key program of Health Nexus and is funded by the Government of Ontario

Sue Weststrate, Health Promotion Consultant
Best Start: Ontario's Maternal, Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre
Health Nexus
Direct line: 613-658-3246
Toll free: 1-800-397-9567, xt 2278
Fax: 613-658-2417
[log in to unmask]
www.beststart.org 

Please update your records with my new email address. Effective April 1, 2008 the Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse became Health Nexus, and in French, Nexus Santé.  

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