EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE QUALITY FRAMEWORKS:

A majority of the three territories’ population is Indigenous especially in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Therefore a common goal in all three ECE frameworks is making high quality education accessible in remote communities. They do this by using formal and informal settings for education in rural areas and incorporate community Elders as teachers.

Some key differences in values:

• Nunavut’s framework incorporates Inuit societal values such as respecting others, and developing skills through observation, mentoring, practice and effort within their education system. (https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2023-12/Nunavut Early Learning and Childcare Framework_EN.pdf)
• Yukon’s framework focuses on building children’s confidence through self discovery and promoting creativity. (https://yukon.ca/en/education-and-schools/early-learning-and-child-care)
• The Northwest Territories’ framework focuses on respecting Indigenous values by incorporating the knowledge of Elders into early education. (https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/sites/ece/files/resources/ecd-framework-and-action-plan-2013-2016.pdf)

ECE certifications:

Yukon follows a Childcare approach rather than an ECE one which means there certifications overlap. These include:

• Child Care Worker I.
• Child Care Worker II.
• Child Care Worker III.

The Yukon Liberal Party’s position:

The currently in power Liberal Party of Yukon aims to:

• “Work with First Nation Chiefs, First Nation Education Commission and the Chiefs Committee on Education to significantly improve education outcomes for First Nations students.”
• “Work with communities and stakeholders on safe school drop-off and pick-up areas, snow removal, crosswalks, speed control and proper lighting.” (https://www.ylp.ca/_yukon_liberal_party_remains_committed_to_supportive_education_for_everyone)
• Invest money into modernizing elementary school classrooms and learning spaces.(https://www.ylp.ca/early_childhood_1)