High quality early learning and child care environments support improved outcomes for Yukon children, which is key for later success in school and life. The Government of Yukon is working to update the Child Care Act, which came into force on July 1, 1990. Changes to this legislation will consider the key principles of quality, affordability, inclusivity and accessibility.
The public engagement process will begin next week. Over the following two months, meetings will be held with partner and stakeholder groups including Yukon First Nations governments, early learning educators, non-profit groups and operators of family day homes and child care centres. The public will be able to complete a short survey online and provide more detailed feedback about the topics most important to them.
Input collected will be used by the Yukon government to inform changes to the Child Care Act. A What We Heard document will be prepared and released following the end of the engagement.
Our government made a commitment to review the Child Care Act, and we are delivering on that promise. On National Child Day, I am pleased to announce that we are launching our work to amend the Child Care Act. I encourage all members of the public who have an interest in early learning and child care services to learn more and have their voices heard. We value our continuing collaboration with First Nation governments, early learning and child care providers and educators as we take this next step in reviewing the Child Care Act.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
November 20 is National Child Day, and the theme is Every Child Every Right. Placing the best interests of children at the forefront will guide efforts to review the Child Care Act.
In the Yukon, licensed child care services can be provided to children 12 years old and younger, or 16 years old and younger if that person has diverse developmental needs.
Participate by completing a quick survey intended for families and caregivers of children.
More detailed feedback is welcome and a discussion document is available on the engagement page as a guide.
This review will build on the results of previous engagement completed on early learning and child care.
The engagement will be open from Monday, November 27, 2023, to Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Zara Soukoroff
Communications, Education
867-332-6481
zara.soukoroff@yukon.ca