Denise Webb

Exploring the legislative complexity of ELCC for First Nations children

March 2025

Culturally appropriate and high-quality early learning and child care (ELCC) programs promote and support young First Nations children’s social, emotional, physical, linguistic, and intellectual growth and development. In Canada, ELCC programs are regulated by provincial and territorial (PT) legislation, with funding available for programs that comply with PT requirements. Varying arrangements exist across the country for ELCC legislation to apply to programs on First Nations reserves.

Exploring the legislative complexity of ELCC for First Nations children takes readers through these arrangements and the intersecting influences of PT and federal ELCC policies and legislation that effect the regulatory standards, control, and cultural appropriateness of on-reserve ELCC programs for First Nations children. Its chapters explore: the policy background to ELCC in Canada; differences between early learning and child care concepts; PT approaches to regulating and funding on-reserve ELCC programs; how First Nations governance in ELCC policy is upheld; and how First Nations-led ELCC programs are supported, according to principles of a First Nations ELCC framework. A summary of the findings and final reflections conclude the report.

View or download the report (PDF)