Yukon residents pursuing studies in early childhood education can now apply for funding towards the cost of their studies. Early Childhood Education Bursaries are available to both full- and part-time students.
Funding for the bursaries comes from the Canada-Yukon Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, which the Governments of Yukon and Canada signed in February 2018.
Students pursuing full-time studies in a recognized early childhood program are eligible to apply for up to $2,000 per term, for up to four terms. Those in in part-time studies can receive up to $500 per course, for a maximum of two courses per year.
The first years of a child’s life are essential to the sound development, future well-being and learning progression of children. The federal government is pleased to see that investments from the Canada–Yukon Early Learning and Child Care Agreement will help students pursuing studies in early childhood education, so they can then provide quality learning environments to kids in Yukon.
Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
This bursary program reflects our commitment to investing in rural Yukon not only by directly funding those studying early childhood education, but also by ensuring we have high quality early learning environments for children here in the Yukon. This investment is another example of how our commitment to Yukon College is building long-term, home grown capacity in the north.
Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
The bursary program has been allocated $100,000: $50,000 for 2018–19 and $50,000 for 2019–20.
Each year, three full-time bursaries will be available. One of the three bursaries will be reserved for a resident of a Yukon community outside of Whitehorse. If no applications from communities are received in a given year, this funding will be released to other applicants.
Applications for bursaries for full-time studies must be received on or before October 1, 2018. Part-time applicants can apply anytime.
Applicants are eligible if they taking early childhood education coursework at any recognized, accredited post-secondary institution in Canada.
The Yukon has 63 licensed child care programs with a total of 1,598 child care spaces.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Michelle Boleen
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-456-6145
michelle.boleen@gov.yk.ca