FAQ: Child Care North of 60

Contact Tawakalt Adepoju: 867-873-0700 ext. 6845 mlc.nof60@cfmws.com

• I'm new to Yellowknife and unsure where to start my search for child care. What should I do first?

  You can contact the Military Lifestyle Coach at the North of 60 Military Resource Center for valuable assistance and resources to help you navigate childcare services in Yellowknife. She can guide you in making informed decisions that align with your family's specific needs.

  867-873-0700 ext. 766-6845 mlc.nof60@cfmws.com

• Will I be able to secure child care in Yellowknife for my children?
  Child care has become more and more difficult to secure with long wait lists. Although there are a few day cares within Yellowknife, child care is also available through day home providers (licensed and unlicensed).
  
  Placement becomes more complicated when parents have children of different age groups as there may not be child care spots available for each age group within the same day home/ daycare.
• Is there a list of daycares/day homes?
  Yes, click here for an updated list of licensed daycares and day homes: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/fr/childcare?order=field_location &sort=asc 
• Are there other options for seeking child care?
  Yes, here are a couple of suggestions: Yellowknife Childcare Needs Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/713723935320993): individuals and service providers (licensed and unlicensed) will often post availability on this group.
  
  Parents can also post their needs on this group page. Parents will also often post their child care needs on the Yellowknife Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/300342716808059
• When should I start looking for child care?
  It is advised to start looking for child care as soon as you receive your posting message or once you know that you are expecting a child. You may want to put your name on most of the lists.
• How long are the waitlists?
  The waiting times can vary depending on the child care provider.
• How do I add my child(ren) to the wait list for child care?
  Yellowknife does not operate a centralized national child care waitlist, as some provinces do. Families seeking child care services should contact their chosen child care providers and request their child be added to their waiting list.
• Which childcare centers are offering the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) reduce fees?
  While the Northwest Territories (NWT) has not yet reached an average daily child care cost of $10 a day, they are aiming to achieve this goal by 2026. However, as of April 1st, 2023, they have already implemented a Child care Fee Reduction Subsidy Program.
  
  For more details on the NWT Childcare Fee Reduction Program, please refer to the provided link. https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/elcc/ccfr
• Will I be able to secure before school care in Yellowknife for my children?
  Before school care programs are essentially non-existent with the exception of the Montessori Casa program, which is only available to their registered students.
  
  Some day home providers offer before-school care.
• Will I be able to secure after school care in Yellowknife for my children?
  After school care, which is mostly provided by the YWCA, is also difficult to secure as space has become very limited due to staff shortages. Registration occurs prior to receiving your posting message, with priority given to families previously registered into the program. Wait lists are kept on a school-year basis, with spots becoming available as staff is secured.
  
  After school care programs are also offered at local daycares and some day homes.
• What after school programs are available?
  After school programs are currently being offered by the following organizations:

  • Garderie Plein Soleil (open to students of École Allain St-Cyr): https://www.garderiepleinsoleil.com/nos-services
  • My World: https://myworldyk.com/
  • Stanley Boxing: https://stanleyboxing.com/after-school-program/
  • Weledeh Catholic School: https://www.weledeh.nt.ca/out-of-school-care-prgram
  • YWCA: https://www.ywcanwt.ca/after-school-care
• What is early dismissal, and does it impact all schools?
  Early dismissal occurs at noon every Thursday afternoon for schools within the Yellowknife Catholic School District (YCS) and École Allain St-Cyr.
  
  Sir John Franklin has a 2:30pm dismissal every Thursday as well.
• Are there options for care for children who attend schools with early dismissal?
  Yes, a few local organizations are offering early dismissal programming. Click here for more information. Contact our Information and Referral Coordinator for the most up-to-date list: ir.nof60@cfmws.com
• Are child care providers in Yellowknife able to accommodate overnight care?
  Generally, there are no child care providers offering overnight child care services. However, you can always turn to the Yellowknife Childcare Needs Facebook page to find babysitters who are willing to provide overnight care. https://www.facebook.com/groups/713723935320993/. 
  
  In and emergency, your MFRC may be able to assist you in accessing overnight emergency child care. For assistance call us at 867-4465-1761.
• Can I start my own day home?
  Yes, you absolutely can (licensed or not). You may reach out to the Military Lifestyle Coach at the MFRC for resources and support. Click the link for more information on starting your own day home: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/services/starting-andoperating-licensed-family-day-home