The government of the Northwest Territories (NWT) announced on August 15, 2024, the second phase of proposed changes to Early Learning and Child Care Regulations, aiming to enhance the safety, well-being, and developmental needs of children in licensed programs. These proposed changes are a direct result of comprehensive consultations with various stakeholders, including Indigenous governments, organizations, licensed program operators, and early childhood educators. The initiative recognizes the vital role these regulations play in shaping the foundational years of children’s lives and is committed to ensuring that the new measures are both practical and impactful.
One of the key proposals involves the creation of new funding programs for both home-based and center-based child care facilities. A significant shift in the funding model is also recommended—moving from attendance-based funding to a model based on enrollment or space. This change is expected to provide more consistent financial support, ensuring that child care programs can maintain high standards regardless of fluctuating attendance. Additionally, the proposal focuses on the introduction of a wage grid and qualification standards for early childhood educators, advocating for better recognition of their crucial role and ensuring a standardized level of professionalism and competency within the sector.
Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback
On August 15, 2024, the Northwest Territories (NWT) government announced the second phase of proposed changes to Early Learning and Child Care Regulations. These modifications aim to improve the safety, well-being, and developmental needs of children in licensed programs. The proposed changes result from extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including Indigenous governments, organizations, licensed program operators, and early childhood educators. This initiative acknowledges the critical role regulations play in shaping the early years of children’s lives and is dedicated to implementing effective and practical measures.
A significant proposal includes creating new funding programs for both home-based and center-based child care facilities. Another recommended change is to shift from an attendance-based funding model to one based on enrollment or space. This adjustment aims to provide consistent financial support, helping child care programs maintain high standards despite fluctuating attendance. Additionally, the proposal introduces a wage grid and qualification standards for early childhood educators, recognizing their essential role and promoting standardized professionalism and competency within the sector.
