This is a joint news release between The Government of Yukon and the Child Development Centre:
The Child Development Centre (CDC) will be moving to a permanent location in downtown Whitehorse in the summer of 2023. The new location at 206 Hanson Street is currently being renovated to meet the needs of families, children, and staff.
Before the new year, the CDC will move from their current location in a wing of Copper Ridge Place to a temporary location at 49A Waterfront Place, before they settle into their new home on Hanson Street. The CDC’s therapeutic preschool will remain in its separate space at 509 Alexander Street.
In addition to providing operational funding of $3.4 million in 2022/23, the Government of Yukon has designated $2.68 million for renovations and furnishings for the new space. The CDC’s new location will accommodate all CDC programs, clients, and staff in one location.
In July 2021, the CDC vacated their space attached to the Department of Education building at 1000 Lewes Boulevard after mould was discovered in the space. Since that time the Centre has operated out of several temporary locations throughout Whitehorse.
We acknowledge and very much appreciate the Child Development Centre’s important work helping families and young children access inclusive early learning and therapeutic services. Funding the new space is just one way that the Government of Yukon is committed to ensuring that the essential services provided by the Child Development Centre continue to be available to improve the lives of families and children in the Yukon.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
We are grateful for the financial support from the Government of Yukon. We are very excited to move into a permanent building next summer. It will be great to have a location that is accessible and has the space to offer all of our programs and services under one roof. I want to thank the families we serve, as well as our employees, who have been very flexible and adaptive with each of our moves over the past year and a half.
Child Development Centre Executive Director Alayne Squair
The Child Development Centre is a non-profit organization, which provides therapeutic supports such as speech-language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology to children from birth to the entry of kindergarten.
The Centre’s therapists travel to all Yukon communities and provide services to more than 1,100 children and families a year.
The CDC has operated as a non-profit organization in the Yukon since 1979.
CDC services are free and confidential. Referrals do not need to be made by a physician. Parents and caregivers can make a referral themselves at cdcyukon.ca/referral or by calling 867-456-8182.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Krisandra Reid
Communications, Education
867-336-0653
krisandra.reid@yukon.ca
Michelle Boleen
Policy, Communications and Project Advisor, Child Development Centre
867-456-8182
michelle.boleen@cdcyukon.ca