The Early Learning and Child Care Funding Regulations (R-018-2023) establish a framework for the administration of the Early Learning and Child Care Funding Program under the Child Day Care Act, These regulations aim to enhance early childhood education by offering financial support to operators who provide care and educational programs for children aged five and under. The primary goal of the program is to mitigate child care costs by providing financial assistance to approved operators.

To be eligible for funding, operators must hold a valid license and charge fees for their early learning and child care services. Eligible operators must submit an application to the Director using an approved form. The Director is responsible for reviewing these applications and may either approve or deny funding, specifying any terms and conditions. Operators have the right to appeal the Director’s decisions to the Minister, whose rulings are final.

Funding approvals are contingent on the status of the operator’s license; thus, if the license expires or is revoked, the funding approval will also be terminated. If an operator’s license is renewed, the Director may renew the funding approval with updated terms. Operators must comply with the funding terms and conditions as well as any additional government programs in which they participate.

In cases where an operator fails to meet eligibility requirements, breaches regulations, or submits false information, the Director may revoke the funding approval. Before revoking approval, the Director must provide written notice and an opportunity for the operator to respond. Operators can appeal revocation decisions to the Minister.

Financial management under these regulations stipulates that funded operators receive monthly payments based on the number of eligible children and administrative costs. The funding must be utilized solely for reducing child care fees, with specific rules governing its calculation. This includes provisions for children who are temporarily absent or who turn six within the month.

Operators are restricted in their ability to increase child care fees, with any increases needing to comply with limits set by the Director and communicated to the Director at least two weeks prior to implementation.

Reporting requirements mandate that operators submit monthly reports to the Director, detailing estimated fees, refunds, and information about enrolled children, including their age and registration details. Annual financial reports and, if necessary, audited statements must also be provided. Operators receiving funding above a specified threshold must submit additional documentation.

Any unspent funding must be returned to the government within six months of the fiscal year’s end. Unreturned funds are considered a debt to the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Northwest Territories (R-018-2023) May 30, 2023