Child Care Act amendment tabled

Education Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 18 today, proposing amendments to the Child Care Act to better support Yukon families and early learners.  

On April 1, the Child Care Unit would transfer from the Department of Health and Social Services to the Department of Education and become the Early Learning and Child Care Unit to ensure that early learning and childcare services are coordinated at all levels. The integration of early childhood development programs and education will help create a learning continuum that begins at birth and supports individuals throughout their learning journey.

The proposed amendments also address one of the recommendations in Putting People First, the final report on the comprehensive review of health and social services, to align learning programs and services under one department.

The establishment of the Early Learning and Child Care Unit in the Department Education would help ensure that early learning and child care services are coordinated at all levels, including the transition into kindergarten and primary school. The integration of early childhood development programs and education will help create a learning continuum that begins at birth and has a positive, long-term impact on Yukoner learners.

Minister of Education Tracy-Anne McPhee 

This is another step in our work to implement the recommendations of the Putting People First report to improve Yukon’s health and social care systems. This would align supports for Yukon children and support our goal to make early learning and child care more affordable and accessible for Yukon families.

Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost 

Quick facts 
  • The proposed amendments to the Child Care Act reflect the recommendations in Putting People First, the final report on the comprehensive review of Health and Social Services, to align all early learning programs and services under one department to allow for improved planning and decision-making.

Media contact 

Renee Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Erin MacDonald
Communications, Education
867-332-7008
erin.macdonald@yukon.ca

News release #: 
21-067