The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking input on the first phase of proposed amendments to the Child Day Care Standards Regulations.

The first phase includes:

• Establishing maximum fees for newly licensed early learning and child care programs based on space type that are consistent with the rates in place since the roll-out of the Child Care Fee Reduction Subsidy. The proposed amendment is intended to reduce administrative requirements for licensed programs and the GNWT, by replacing previous contribution agreements with regulations.  
• Developing financial reporting requirements for licensed programs that receive GNWT funding. These regulations are intended to promote financial stability, provide transparency for licensed program operators and the public about funding, and begin to reduce the administrative requirements for licensed programs and GNWT.
• Establishing reporting requirements related to demographics of children in early learning and child care programs and program information. These changes are required to comply with the terms of the Canada-wide Agreement and to inform transformation of the system to support meeting the needs of young children and families.

The GNWT is taking a phased approach to developing the Regulations to allow time for audiences to engage and provide meaningful input.  Phase one will address necessary regulatory changes related to targets and reporting associated with the Canada-NWT Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement in advance of the 2023-24 fiscal year. Additional phases will be determined as the GNWT continues to engage the early learning and child care sector throughout the coming year.
The public is encouraged to review the information sheet available on the GNWT’s Have Your Say engagement platform. The deadline to provide feedback is April 27, 2023.

For media requests, please contact:

Public Affairs and Communications
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories

ecepublicaffairs@gov.nt.ca