Early learning and child care is vitally important for the healthy development of all children in the NWT. A child’s brain grows most rapidly between birth and age five, and everyone involved in a child’s life – families, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone else – shapes a child’s early development.

ECE’s Early Learning and Child Care Division oversees early learning and child care programs for children from birth to age 12.

We help families and children access licensed early learning and child care programs by:

• Licensing and monitoring centre-based and family day homes according to Early Learning and Child Care Act and the Early Learning and Child Care Regulations
• Providing funding to licensed early learning and child care programs to help offset the high costs of child care
• Supporting children with additional support needs in child care settings
• Providing post-secondary education and professional development opportunities to early childhood educators

Voluntary Donations collected by Licensed Early Learning and Child Care facilities

Licensed early learning and child care facilities may request and collect donations for additional services and programs, while also protecting families from any additional fees. This is in line with the Early Learning and Child Care Regulations.

Key guidelines that operators and families need to know:

• Families have a choice if they want to pay for the additional services or programs
• Choosing to not pay for the additional services or programs can not negatively impact the care or experience of the child attending the facility.

Voluntary donations for optional services include but are not limited to:

• voluntary membership fees
• voluntary services or program fees
• voluntary meal fees
• other contributions

Voluntary Donations Only

Donations to operators must remain voluntary. Families have the right to decide whether or not to donate money. Voluntary donations cannot be made mandatory under any circumstances.

Examples of optional services or programs that DO qualify for voluntary donations include:

• Field trips
• Transportation
• Extended hours care
• Specialized classes

Examples of optional services that DO NOT qualify for voluntary donations include:

• Child contract fees
• Supply fees
• Nap fees
• Termination fees

No Negative Consequences for Non-Donating Families

Families who do not voluntarily donate must not face any consequences. Donations are voluntary and are not required or expected from parents and families. If a licensed operator chooses to accept donations, any decisions by a parent or family about whether or not to donate cannot affect the care or programming provided to that child. There should never be a reduction in the quality of care, services, programs, or experiences offered to children whose parents do not voluntarily donate.

For example, if a provider offers a food program through a voluntary membership donation, children whose families do not voluntarily donate must still receive the same food as children whose families contribute.

Any changes to a child's care, services, or programming based on a decision by a parent or family whether or not to donate is prohibited by the Act.

Operators are encouraged to carefully follow these guidelines and work with their regional early childhood consultant to ensure donation requests comply with GNWT policies.

Reporting and Transparency

While there is no limit to the amount of money that can be raised through voluntary donations, operators may be required to report the types and amounts of donations they collect to ensure transparency and compliance with the regulations. This helps to maintain accountability and ensures donations are being handled correctly.

Other types of donations

Operators may request and receive voluntary in-kind contributions and donations. In-kind contributions can include things like:

• Parent volunteers on field trips, outings, events
• Parents and families can donate supplies for events, activities and every day use
• Parents and families can volunteer their skills to repair, or replace items
• Businesses can donate supplies and services.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out to a regional Early Childhood Consultant.

Contact us if you have any concerns

Contact us if you have any concerns related to the health, safety, or well-being of children in a centre-based or home-based facility - whether they are licensed or unlicensed.

Read more about our complaints process.