UBC’s Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) is aimed at tracking early learning opportunities for children 0-6, and how these opportunities affect a child’s readiness for school, as well as their success in later school years.  Building Learning Together collects data on all BLT initiatives, and together with the Early Development Indicator (EDI) measures done by HELP, this helps our community understand the effect BLT programs are having with our children.

In the fall of 2007, BLT began participation in a 3-year Challenge Research Project with HELP.  That initial 3 year pilot showed promise, and BLT has continued the GooseTrax project in our community. GooseTrax uses web-based technology to collect and analyze community data on program attendance in order to provide more accurate information about the utilization of early learning opportunities. 

All BLT program participants sign in on the GooseTrax computer when they attend a BLT program.   For families who choose to participate in GooseTrax, their attendance is flagged, a GooseTrax Point is awarded for their attendance, and a message appears stating how many GooseTrax Points they have earned to date. 

GooseTrax children can also pick up monthly GooseTrax Calendars to record activities at home and away, such as reading, playing games, or physical activitity.  Each day one of these activities occurs, the child circles the date and collects one GooseTrax Point for every 10 days of activity, for a maximum of 3 points per month.

For every 20 points earned, the child receives a GooseTrax Goodie, such as a swim pass, book, or T-Shirt.

GooseTrax Points can also be collected by attending the Parksville, Qualicum Beach or Bowser branches of the public library, and attending VIHA's Baby and Me and Healthy Beginnings programs.  We hope to add to the number of sponsor sites in the coming years!

Families of children 0-6 who are interested in participating in GooseTrax can talk to any BLT program facilitator to receive an application, or download the consent form on the right.  Fill it in and present to any BLT program facilitator.  Your child will be eligible for GooseTrax points from the date the application is received.

Community businesses who would like to support this research project are invited to call us at 250-947-8252 to see how you can participate.