The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) is asking the public for their input on proposed amendments to the Northwest Territories (NWT) Child Day Care Act (Act) to support transformation of the early learning and child care system.

The Act and Standards Regulations set minimum standards that ensure the quality, care, instruction, and supervision of children in facilities outside of their home.

The proposed amendments will focus on:

• establishing an NWT certification process and wage grid,
• increasing inclusion and reporting measures,
• establishing cost control measures,
• protecting the rights of families, and
• updating language.

Proposed legislative amendments are intended to support achievement of the 2030 Early Learning and Child Care Strategy which reflects the voices of Indigenous Governments, licensed early learning and child care program operators and early childhood educators throughout the territory. The proposed amendments will help support the accessibility, affordability, quality and inclusivity of early learning and child care in the NWT.

The public is encouraged to review the plain language summary of the proposed amendments before June 27, 2022, at 5 pm and share their comments by:

• Phone: 867-767-9354 ext: 71280
• Email: earlylearning@gov.nt.ca

These discussions and the email responses will guide changes to the Act expected in March 2023.

For media requests, please contact:

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications

Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Government of the Northwest Territories

ecepublicaffairs@gov.nt.ca