The Ontario government recognizes that the 18-month well-baby visit is a critical opportunity to assess whether a child is meeting key developmental milestones. Following the advice of an expert panel to expand the 18-month visit, the province now funds this more in-depth 18-month well-baby visit.

This initiative is designed to build partnerships among primary care practitioners, parents, and community services. Using standardized tools, physicians can identify those children who will need a referral to specialized services, and provide parents with information on local community programs that promote healthy child development and early learning.

Community-based networks across Ontario have developed Early Child Development and Parenting Resource System Pathway templates in response to the 18-month well-baby visit. These pathways help link families to appropriate community services and programs that promote development, reduce risks, and address developmental concerns.

The Toronto Early Childhood and Family Resource System: Pathway and Resource Listing is Toronto's adaptation of the provincial template. The goal of the Toronto pathway is to:

• Increase screening by physicians of children 18 months of age;
• Increase use of services and supports for families of young children living in Toronto; and
• Improve response and coordinated access to services for children with developmental concerns.

We hope this resource will promote communication between parents and professionals, improve developmental outcomes for children, and encourage families to use local community resources such as Ontario Early Years Centres.