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Excerpt: "Since 2019 the department has made progress on several initiatives to address systemic inequities and achieve better student outcomes. Here are some of the highlights: Launching the Universal Early Learning and Child Care model and continuing to invest in high quality, accessible and affordable early learning programs for Yukon
children. This supports positive outcomes for children and helps to close gaps in student achievement; Further enhancing early learning through the provision of kindergarten and full-day kindergarten in rural communities to provide children with opportunities to engage in developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum for longer periods (over two years), which fosters deeper understanding and development of solid foundational skills as they enter grade one; The department has continued to work with the First Nation School Board and the Chiefs Committee on Education to support the successes of the First Nation School Board, which operates eleven Yukon schools and develops and implements Indigenous language and culture education programs and programs designed to improve student outcomes within the education system; At the same time, the department has continued to work directly with Yukon First Nation governments to address joint education priorities through several collaborative initiatives inclusive of work on the Collaboration Framework and the next Joint Education Action Plan; The department has also continued work to advance the Review of Inclusive and Special Education (RISE) and to advance the RISE workplan which was co-developed with Yukon First Nations Education Commissioners and Advisory Committee for Yukon Education."

Excerpt: "Today, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Jenna Sudds, joined Nunavut Premier the Honourable P.J. Akeeagok, and Nunavut’s Minister of Education the Honourable Pamela Hakongak Gross to celebrate the official opening of the new location and expansion of Tumikuluit Saipaaqivik, Iqaluit’s only Inuktitut daycare. This project received $1.8 million in federal funding through the Canada-Nunavut Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. For 18 years, Tumikuluit Saipaaqivik has offered culture-based early learning and child care in Inuktitut, fostering a strong connection to Inuit culture and language. This new centre allows Tumikuluit Saipaaqivik to open 16 new early learning and child care spaces in their program."

APHD Celebrates Black Futures

Excerpt: "Albertans deserve world-class education for their families now and in the future. Budget 2025 provides an operating expense budget of $9.9 billion in 2025-26, a 4.5% increase from the 2024-25 third quarter forecast; $54 million in 2025-26, along with $348 million more over the following 2 years will support additional enrolment growth; An increase of $55 million in 2025-26, and another $94 million in each of the following 2 years, to adjust the funding formula for school authorities to provide increased sustainable funding for growth within the funding model; Almost $1.1 billion in total over the next 3 years to address growth and hire more than 4,000 new teachers and classroom support staff; More than $1.6 billion in 2025-26 will support students with specialized learning needs or groups of students who need additional help; An investment of $55 million in 2025-26, a 20% increase from last year, to allow school authorities to add staff and supports to complex classrooms so students receive the focus and attention they need; $389 million over 3 years will provide increases to funding rates to cover the rising costs of maintaining educational facilities, unavoidable expenses like insurance and utilities, and providing programs and services to students; $2.6 billion over 3 years for educational (K-12) infrastructure, an increase of $505 million or 23.9% from Budget 2024. This funding will support the construction of more than 200,000 new and modernized student spaces over the next 7 years (almost 90,000 within the next 4 years)."

Delivering early childhood education (ECE) through public schools has garnered increasing attention due to its potential to address systemic challenges within the early education workforce. These series of papers explore the benefits of integrating early childhood programs into public school systems, focusing on how this approach improves workforce conditions, enhances professionalism, increases professional learning opportunities, and promotes equity across the sector.

Excerpt: "The Province of British Columbia’s 2018 ChildCareBC plan included a commitment to add capacity in regional health authorities to license, monitor, and investigate child care facilities. Child care facility licensing is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and the five regional health authorities. But the Ministry of Education and Child Care has overall responsibility for putting the ChildCareBC plan into place. So close coordination is required. We did two audits related to ChildCareBC’s commitment to increase health authority capacity for child care licensing."

e-News

Victoria Parlatore (she/her) is a PhD Candidate in the Higher Education (HE) program. As a graduate of the Master of Arts program in Educational Leadership and Policy (ELP),

The Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education's Student Association (LHAE DSA) hosted the 3rd iteration of the Human Rights & Equity Symposium.

Excerpt: "The Department of Education’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) division is increasing the ELCC Wage Scale Program rates by 7.5% starting April 1, 2025 to support recruitment and retention of staff in licensed child care centres. Through federal funding, the ELCC Wage Scale Program provides licensed child care centres serving children ages 0-6 years, the opportunity to ensure fair and competitive wages for their staff. The wage scale applies to four categories of staff: Management; Early Childhood Educators; Program Support; Centre Support."

Excerpt: "Bill 66 - Early Learning and Child Care Act (Bill 66), was introduced on February 24, 2025, which proposes to replace the Child Day Care Act inherited when Nunavut became a territory. The proposed legislation ensures that Nunavut’s early learning and child care programs are accessible, affordable, inclusive, and rooted in Inuit culture, values and language. This represents a significant step forward in prioritizing the well-being and education of children in Nunavut. Bill 66 also introduces critical updates, including: Improved licensing requirements and duties for operators to enhance safety and accountability; Creation of the Early Learning and Child Care Council, a body to provide guidance and oversight; Expanded accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity for families across the territory; Enhanced support for the well-being of children, caregivers, and educators."