New Research Reveals Decline in Kindergarteners’ Developmental Health After the Pandemic
Recent findings from the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) reveal a concerning rise in developmental vulnerabilities among kindergarten children across British Columbia. While the data is provincial, the trends mirror what family physicians, pediatricians, and allied health professionals across Canada — including those at OFHC — have been observing since the pandemic.
More than 1 in 3 kindergarten-aged children are now entering school with challenges in at least one core area of development — the highest rate recorded in 24 years.
The First Comprehensive Post-Pandemic Look at Young Children’s Development
Researchers evaluated the developmental health of 33,625 kindergarten students, finding that:
- 35.8% of children fall below benchmarks in at least one key developmental domain
- Up from approximately 32% before the pandemic
- Vulnerabilities increased across all five developmental areas
Dr. Martin Guhn of UBC emphasizes:
“The early years set the foundation for everything that follows.”
These disruptions reflect the profound effect of pandemic-related changes on families — from employment instability and reduced child-care access to fewer social interactions and limited community supports.
Vulnerabilities Increased Across All Developmental Areas
| Developmental Area | 2017–2020 | 2021–2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Communication skills & general knowledge | 14.5% | 16.7% |
| Social competence | 16.1% | 18.4% |
| Emotional maturity | 17.4% | 19.2% |
| Language & cognitive development | 10.5% | 11.5% |
| Physical health & well-being | 14.9% | 15.8% |
The most significant increases were in:
- Communication skills and general knowledge
- Social competence
- Emotional maturity
These areas affect how children interact, form relationships, and regulate their emotions — foundations for healthy future development.
The study also found that the number of children vulnerable in three or more areas rose by 14%, signalling growing complexity and greater long-term risk.
Early Challenges Shape Long-Term Outcomes
Children who enter school with vulnerabilities face increased risk of:
- Academic struggles through elementary and high school
- Emotional and behavioural concerns
- Higher rates of mental health difficulties in adolescence
- Delays in language and cognitive development
- Barriers to long-term educational and social success
As Dr. Guhn notes:
“When a child enters school already behind in key areas, it can have lasting consequences — not just for their education, but for their health and future opportunities.”
Root Causes: Reduced Access to Social, Emotional, and Community Supports
While the study does not specify exact causes, decades of developmental research confirm that children thrive when families have access to:
- Stable income
- High-quality, affordable child care
- Opportunities for physical activity
- Nutritious meals and sufficient sleep
- Social interaction with peers
- Positive, engaged caregiver relationships
During the pandemic, many of these supports were severely disrupted — especially structured early learning environments, group play, and developmental screening.
How OFHC Supports Early Childhood Development
At Orléans Family Health Clinic, our integrated model of family medicine, pediatric care, and pharmacist-supported services helps families identify and address developmental concerns early.
OFHC provides:
- Early developmental screening through routine well-child visits
- Guidance for parents on communication, emotional regulation, and healthy routines
- Support for families experiencing stress, financial strain, or child-care challenges
- Collaborative care involving our physicians, nurses, mental health providers, and allied healthcare professionals
- Referrals to early intervention programs and community resources in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario
Our approach ensures children receive Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, Connected Care — the core of the OFHC philosophy.
Why Early Investment Matters
The findings make one message clear:
Societies that invest in families and young children see better long-term outcomes.
UBC researchers emphasize the need for:
- Living wages and reduced family poverty
- Affordable, high-quality child care
- Strong community programs
- Family-centred supports and early intervention
These investments not only help children thrive — they strengthen communities and reduce long-term healthcare and social costs.
OFHC’s Commitment
Children deserve the best possible start. We will continue to monitor emerging evidence, support families in our community, and advocate for resources that help every child reach their fullest developmental potential.
If you are concerned about your child’s communication, behaviour, sleep, eating, or social interactions, our care team is here to help.
Stay Connected with Orléans Family Health Clinic!
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Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
