Excerpts from FAQ
Affordability for Parents
Q: How does the Yukon Early Learning and Child Care Funding Program reduce fees for parents? Do I need to apply?
A: Effective April 1, 2021, the Government of Yukon will provide licensed early learning and child care operators who choose to opt in to the funding programs with $700 for each child in full-time child care to reduce monthly payments for parents. Parents of children in part-time programs will receive a pro-rated reduction.
Q: What will my invoice look like?
A: Sample Invoice:
- Monthly child care fee: $ 850.00
- Yukon Government contribution Paid directly to the provider: $(700.00)
- Parent pays directly to the provider: $ 150.00*
Q: Will the Child Care Subsidy program, Teen Parent grant, and Grandparent grant continue?
A: Yukon families will continue to benefit from these programs. If you have already been approved you do not need to reapply.
Q: When is the new Early Learning and Child Care Program available?
A: The new funding model is available starting April 1, 2021 for operators who choose to participate.
Q: Is this program income tested?
A: No, this program is not income tested. The Government of Yukon will provide those licensed operators who opt in to the program with $700 for each child in full-time child care to reduce monthly payments for parents. Existing subsidies such as the Teen Parent Grant or the Grandparent Grant will continue to be available.
Q: How will I know if my provider is participating in the program?
A: Over the next couple of weeks, those licensed operators who opt in to the program will be provided an information sheet to share with parents.
Q: Can operators opt out of the new Yukon Early Learning and Child Care Funding Program?
A: All programs can immediately benefit from the new funding program. Operators can stay with their current funding model or take advantage of the new funding program. However, within two years, in order to receive Government of Yukon funding, it will be a requirement for all operators to participate in the new funding program. Operators can sign on to the new funding program at any time.
Q: What are the highlights of the new funding program?
A:
- Provides increased funding to licensed early learning and child care operators to reduce fee payments made by parents.
- Provides an additional payment to operators to reduce operational and administrative expenses and support program needs.
- Provides funding to support high-quality early learning environments.
- Provides additional funding to increase wages paid by operators to early childhood educators to support retention and career development.
Increased Wages for Educators
Q: What are the new wage enhancements beginning on April 1?
A: Wages for all early childhood educators will increase starting on April 1, 2021, provided their employer signs on to the new funding model. The increased wage supplement will depend on the qualification level of the educator.
Q: The new funding program includes enhanced funding for wages: does this also include the wages for the Supported Child Care Worker program?
A: Yes, we will increase wages for supported child care workers depending on their ECE level. Wage increases will be incorporated in the new contracts for the Supported Child Care Worker Program.
Ongoing Support for Programs
Q: What will the Child Care Services Unit look like beginning April 1?
A: The Child Care Services Unit will transfer to Education on April 1, 2021. Services provided by the Unit to child care providers will continue uninterrupted. The program will continue to be located at 9010 Quartz Road, Whitehorse. The Child Care Services Unit will become part of the Early Learning and Child Care Unit at the Department of Education.
Q: Will new resources be made available to your child’s program?
A: Yes, the program will be supported by three early learning specialists. They will work with individual programs to support high-quality learning environments.
Q: Why does the new funding program introduce fee limits?
A: Fee limits are necessary to allow the rates charged by programs to be sustainable and affordable. Fee limits will help keep monthly fees in line with those charged by other local providers who are delivering the same type of care.
Q: When can parent fees be adjusted?
A: Beginning in April 2022, operators may adjust their fees annually on April 1.
Q: How will fees for newly licensed programs be determined? A
A: Through the licensing process, fees for new child care operators who are accessing Government of Yukon funding must be approved by the Department of Education. New operators will not be allowed to charge more than 3% of the Yukon average fee. The Department of Education will consider exceptions for operators based on the specific circumstances of their program.
Q: Where can I find more information about the new funding program?
A: You can go online to Yukon Early Learning and Child Care or email questions to earlylearning@yukon.ca and someone will reply within three business days.