Roots of Empathy was introduced in Quebec in 2005 in six Montreal classrooms. To date Roots of Empathy has reached more than 2,875 children in the province of Quebec.

Over the last five years, about 115 babies with the Roots of Empathy program have been the youngest teachers in Quebec classrooms. A similar number of volunteer parents have learned more about their babies and the key role they play in their child’s development. Dozens of Quebec classroom teachers have learned about their students’ emotional lives and witnessed first-hand the power of helping children to develop social and emotional literacy.

Programs in Quebec have been made possible through the generous support of the Fondation Lucie and André Chagnon and the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation as well as support from the schools and communities hosting the programs.

This year Roots of Empathy welcomes the community of Chibougamau in the Central Quebec School Board. Two programs have been launched here in classes where many of the children are of Cree descent.

In Quebec, the program is delivered in English and French, and in urban, rural and Aboriginal communities. In 2010-11, there are 15 programs underway in five schools, of which seven are delivered in French and eight in English.

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For feedback from Quebec students and teachers participating in Roots of Empathy please read the 2009-10 Quebec Feedback Report.