Middle Years

Middle Years Resources

The Ontario government envisions a province where all children and youth have the best opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

Children are at a critical developmental stage between ages six and 12. The experiences children have in these crucial years set a foundation for the habits, perceptions and attitudes they will have for a lifetime.

Ontario’s Middle Years Strategy supports children and their families at this critical age. The strategy helps families, policy makers, service providers, educators, and community organizations better understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities that face this group of young people.

Visit the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services website


On My Way logo

On My Way: A Guide to Support Middle Years Child Development

A developmental framework for parents, teachers and service providers to support children ages 6–12, and is based on up-to-date evidence on middle childhood development.

Download a copy of On My Way: A Guide to Support Middle Years Child Development


Gearing Up: A Strategic Framework to Help Ontario Middle Years Children Thrive

Bulleted List: Active and Well, Caring and Connected Families, Positive Relationships, Engage in learning, Feel valued, Supportive Communities, Indigenous Children Thrive

A strategic framework to inform the development of policies and programs to help middle years children thrive.

"The middle years (ages 6–12) are a developmental turning point and a critical period of transitions from early childhood to the teen years."

Download a copy of Gearing Up: A Strategic Framework to Help Ontario Middle Years Children Thrive


Think, Feel, Act: Empowering Children in the Middle Years

Similar to the Ministry of Education's work with leading experts in the field of early childhood education, the Ministry has developed another six research briefs for educators working with children in their middle years. The Think, Feel, Act: Empowering Children in the Middle Years research report provides information and strategies for educators working with children in their middle years.

Download a copy of Think, Feel, Act: Empowering Children in the Middle Years


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