Supporting Child Inclusion and Participation
Overview
The Supporting Child Inclusion and Participation (SCIP) program enhances access to early learning and child care for all children by funding eligible organizations to create community play-based early childhood programs for families, and provides supports for children with developmental needs who require enhanced or individual assistance to safely and fully participate in early learning.
Available funding
SCIP provides two types of funding to promote access to early learning.
- Early Years Community Program Funding - Funding for Indigenous governments, non-profit and community organizations, and licensed early learning ad child care programs to create and/or enhance unlicensed play-based early learning opportunities, such as 'Family & Tot' groups. Applications for Early Years Community Program Funding are accepted every two years. Applications for this funding is now open for funding to deliver programming in 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.
- Early Learning and Child Care Inclusion Funding - Funding is available to licensed centre-based Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) programs to access resources and materials to provide inclusive early learning for children with diverse developmental needs. Funding may be used for additional human resources (Inclusion Staff), assistance with program development, and grants for staff training and program materials to promote inclusive early learning.
Mandatory Program Criteria
Funding must be used for programming for children from birth to six years of age.
SCIP is not to be used for capital equipment expenses, resources required for general ELCC program operation, or programming within the public education system.
SCIP may not be used for training that is mandatory to meet ELCC licensing requirements, such as first aid.
How funding decisions are made
The SCIP Review Committee, chaired by the Early Childhood Wellness and Inclusive Learning Coordinator and supported by regional Early Childhood Consultants, make the final determination on whether an application is eligible based on the applicable SCIP funding criteria and principles.
Please note that decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.
For more information, contact your regional Early Childhood Consultant or elcc_scip@gov.nt.ca