[The Better Beginnings, Better Futures Project: short-term effects on the children of Cornwall]

The Ontario Better Beginnings, Better Futures Project is a prevention project for young children and their families living in 8 disadvantaged neighbourhoods throughout the province. The Cornwall site of Better Beginnings, Better Futures ("Partir d'un bon pas pour un avenir meilleur"), the only francophone site of the project, has focused on children aged 4 to 8 in 4 francophone schools. This article presents the short-term effects of the programs on the children of Cornwall after 4 years of operation. Results showed a decrease in teacher ratings of behaviour problems and an increase in teacher ratings of prosocial behaviour. There was also a significant improvement in nutrition and health care. Finally, results showed a decrease in the number of students receiving special education services for learning disabilities or behavioural problems. However, results failed to show significant improvements in cognitive functioning or academic achievement.