The Yukon’s Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund has awarded $381,500 in funding to two community projects to enhance early learning and child care programming in the Yukon.
The fund exclusively supports not-for-profit and public early learning and child care providers. Its goal is to increase spaces in priority areas such as rural, First Nations-led programs and French first language programs, and to improve accessibility in early learning and child care centres.
These investments are part of the Government of Yukon’s ongoing commitment to support children and families from diverse backgrounds. The fund builds on existing programs that help Yukon families save up to $8,400 per child annually through the universal child care program. It also promotes fair wages for early childhood educators and provides more support for licensed child care operators.
The fund, launched in November 2024, is supported by a $10.5 million investment over four years, 2023–24 to 2026–27, through the Canada-Yukon Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund Agreement.
This year’s funding recipients include:
- Carcross/Tagish First Nation received minor project funding of $200,000 over two years for playground accessibility upgrades.
- Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government received minor project funding of $181,500 over two years for washroom, accessibility ramps and outdoor play area upgrades.
Applications for future projects are now being accepted. Interested organizations are encouraged to discuss their project concept with the Early Learning and Child Care Branch before applying via email at [email protected] or visit Yukon.ca/early-learning-child-care-infrastructure-fund.
This fund is a vital investment in the Yukon’s future. It empowers not-for-profit organizations, First Nations, French first language and rural providers to create child care spaces that are safe, inclusive and accessible. By focusing on underserved communities, we are ensuring that every Yukon family has access to high-quality early learning and child care close to home.
Greater access to child care in the Yukon will help families to get ahead. Today’s investment in early learning and child care infrastructure supports First Nations, francophone and rural providers to open more spaces where they’re needed most. This means stronger help for families and better opportunities for the next generation.
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Application packages and guidelines can be found at https://yukon.ca/en/education-and-schools/early-childhood-learning-and-programs/apply-yukons-early-learning-and-child
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The Government of Yukon signed a three-year Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund agreement with Canada on March 28, 2024, to support infrastructure projects that increase inclusion in early learning and child care for underserved communities. In February 2025, this agreement was extended to 2026–27.
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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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As of April 2025, there were approximately 2,000 children enrolled in licensed child care programs across the territory, an increase of 31 per cent since the implementation of universal child care in 2021.
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As of April 2025, the Yukon had 79 licensed early learning and child care programs and 2,345 licensed spaces. Of those, nine are owned and 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]
Dana Clark
Communications, Education
867-332-3743
[email protected]