Today, the Government of Yukon launched the Yukon’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Infrastructure Fund, supported by a $7.7 million investment under the Canada-Yukon ELCC Infrastructure Fund Agreement signed in March 2024. This new initiative underscores the Government of Yukon's ongoing commitment to supporting children and families by investing in affordable, accessible and inclusive high-quality early learning and child care.
The fund is designed to support current and prospective owners of not-for-profit early learning and child care centres in creating new spaces and improving the accessibility of existing programs. The funding program focuses on four priorities identified during engagement on modernizing the Child Care Act.
- Increased access to early learning and child care in underserved communities in rural Yukon.
- Increased access to Indigenous-led early learning and child care.
- Increased access to Francophone early learning and child care.
- Enhance accessibility for children with disabilities in existing early learning and child care programs.
The new fund features two distinct streams.
- Minor Project stream: Focused on accessibility upgrades and provides funding to start family day homes in rural Yukon.
- Major Project stream: Supports comprehensive planning costs, such as business and feasibility studies, as well as the design, construction and renovation of existing infrastructure to create new early learning and child care spaces or improve existing infrastructure.
The Government of Yukon is now accepting applications. Interested organizations can learn more at Yukon.ca. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2025.
We’ve heard from parents and guardians about their need for more child care spaces and the importance of accessibility for Yukoners. The Yukon’s Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund will make a significant difference for families by expanding child care options in underserved communities and support children’s development in inclusive, accessible environments. Our government is committed to investing in our youngest and I look forward to seeing first-hand the positive impact of this new fund for Yukon families.
Every family deserves a spot for their child. The launch of Yukon’s Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund will help more Yukon families from underserved communities get off waitlists and into affordable, high-quality and inclusive child care close to home. We will keep working to make $10 child care a reality for every family across the territory.
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The Government of Yukon signed a three-year agreement with Canada on March 28, 2024, with the possibility of an extension of a fourth year for 2026–27, to support infrastructure projects that increase inclusion in Early Learning and Child Care for underserved communities.
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The Government of Canada’s $625 million Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund aims to help build more inclusive child care spaces across Canada and support families in rural and remote communities, as well as families in communities that face barriers to access, such as racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, official language minority communities and children, parents and employees with disabilities. Funding may also be used to support infrastructure to provide care during non-standard hours.
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Interested organizations are encouraged to discuss their project concept with the Early Learning and Child Care Branch before applying to ensure that they meet eligibility requirements. Contact that branch at [email protected].
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Child care centres and family day homes in the Yukon must follow the Child Care Act and regulations to receive a licence to operate.
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The Act and regulations describe the care and supervision of children in licensed early learning and child care programs.
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As of September 2024, there were 1,861 children enrolled in licensed child care programs across the territory. As of October 2024, the Yukon had 79 licensed early learning and child care centres and family home programs. Of those, nine are owned or operated by First Nations governments, 14 are operated by not-for-profit societies, 17 are family day homes and 39 are operated by private businesses.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Julie Ménard
Communications, Education
867-336-0653
[email protected]