Learn about universal child care program

The new Early Learning and Child Care Unit promotes the development of accessible, affordable, quality early learning and child care. Staff deliver programs and provide services that help families and licensed early learning and child care operators. These services include the Yukon early learning and child care funding programs as well as child care subsidies. 

Yukon Early Learning and Child Care Funding Program 

Universal child care model

The Government of Yukon has developed a new universal child care model. 

The Yukon universal child care model is based on 3 key principles: 

• affordability;
• quality; and 
• accessibility.

We believe all families should have access to high-quality, affordable child care.

The universal child care model is possible due to collaboration between the Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations, child care operators and partners across Yukon. The Government of Yukon created the Early Learning and Child Care Funding Program to support the implementation of a universal child care model.

Who is eligible?

Universal child care is available to all Yukon families utilizing participating licensed child care spaces. Parents whose children are registered in licensed child care will see their monthly payment go down. No action is required to realize these savings. 

Why choose universal child care?

Universal early childhood education programs are recommended in the Putting People First report. Affordable options are shown to improve children’s learning outcomes, success and capacity for life-long learning.

There will be no changes to other funding programs

Universal child care is not a one-size-fits-all model. We are not considering reductions to any other funding programs, including:

• the Yukon child care subsidy;
• the Grandparent Grant; and
• the Teen Parent Grant.

Eligible low incomes families can still apply for the Yukon child care subsidy. The subsidy will be applied on top of the universal portion of their child care program fees.