Education Minister Jeanie McLean tabled Bill No. 2 yesterday, proposing amendments to the Child Care Act to better reflect the realities of Yukon families.
These amendments include relocating the Child Care Unit from the Department of Health and Social Services to the Department of Education to help ensure that early learning and childcare services are coordinated at all levels. The integration of early childhood development programs and education would help create a learning continuum that begins at birth and has a positive, long-term impact on our society.
These amendments 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.
The Government of Yukon is pleased to continue implementing the recommendations of the Putting People First report, including this move. We will continue to collaborate with First Nations governments, stakeholders, and Yukon families to implement these important changes.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
Relocating the Early Learning and Child Care Unit to the Department of Education will help ensure that early learning and childcare 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 spans from cradle to career.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
These amendments 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.
The Child Care Act was last amended in 2018.
Renee Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Julie Ménard
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-8478
julie.menard@yukon.ca
Erin MacDonald
Communications, Education
867-332-7008
erin.macdonald@yukon.ca