The GNWT has released two key documents aimed at guiding the future of early learning and child care in the territory.
The “What We Heard Report – Approaches to Early Learning and Child Care Space Creation” captures feedback from a series of engagement sessions held in 2024.
Representatives from Indigenous governments, community leaders, not-for-profit groups, and licensed child care operators took part in 11 sessions across the territory. Discussions focused on how best to create new licensed, centre-based child care spaces in a way that meets local needs.
Participants emphasized the importance of culturally appropriate designs, flexible approaches tailored to each community, and the need to remove barriers such as inadequate funding and administrative challenges.
They also recommended completing local needs assessments and strengthening partnerships through improved engagement and communication.
Three main models for creating new child care spaces were reviewed during the engagement process:
- Capital contributions – to support infrastructure projects
- Modular or ready-to-move builds
- Asset ownership using existing GNWT buildings
Feedback from these sessions informed updates to the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Framework, which outlines how early learning and child care infrastructure funding will be prioritized and used.
The framework supports the development, maintenance, and expansion of licensed child care centres in communities across the NWT. Eligible expenses include construction, renovations, building materials, labour, and professional fees.
This work is supported by approximately $10.6 million in federal and territorial funding, announced in 2024, and aims to create at least 300 new licensed child care spaces by March 2026.
Both the What We Heard Report and the updated Infrastructure Framework are available on the GNWT’s website.