A community-engaged outcome evaluation of Toronto Public Health’s raising sexually healthy children for agency staff training

Through a community engaged scholarship project with Toronto Public Health and the University of Guelph-Humber, the purpose of this evaluative study was to assess the impact of Toronto Public Health’s Raising Sexually Healthy Children for Agency Staff Training (RSHCAS) targeting Early Learning Professionals. RSHCAS is a free one-day professional development opportunity designed to increase knowledge, comfort, and confidence addressing the development of sexuality with children. This study followed a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test research design, where 28 participants completed two online surveys. Overall, participants were appreciative and satisfied with the RSHCAS training. Results indicated shifts in participants’ perceptions, partially supporting hypotheses for knowledge, comfort, and willingness. Results also highlighted several impacts RSHCAS had on participants’ perceptions of their daily practice. The thesis concludes with recommendations for key stakeholders to provide the necessary support to Ontario ECEs and ensure the healthy sexual development and well-being of all children within Ontario child care settings.