Data shows that over 25% of NWT students are not at the academic level they should be for their age. In smaller communities, the number of students below grade level is often closer to 50%. Data also shows a decline in student achievement as students get older. This confirms an urgent need for changes to the education system, including earlier interventions and support.

Almost all Canadian children (95%) are born with a strong potential to grow, learn and thrive. However, more than 25% of Canadian children are behind in their development when they start school. Being "school ready" is not a measure of basic skills. It is about a child's social, emotional, physical, mental, and language development. 

In the NWT, many children are starting school with developmental delays. The Early Development Instrument (EDI) takes a snapshot of children's development in kindergarten. It shows that over 38% of NWT children entering the school system are already significantly behind in their development. That means that approximately 400 of five-year olds have significant delays.

In small communities as high as 60% of five year olds are behind in one or more areas of development.  Over 18% of NWT children are at risk in the area of physical development related to nutrition, sleep and general wellbeing. That is double the Canadian average in that particular area. The need for supports even before children begin school is obvious. Collaboration with parents, families, and communities is vital, as well as with other government departments.