Child Care Facility and Licensing

The Early Childhood division encourages the development of early childhood programs and licensed childcare facilities. There are currently 46 licensed programs in 23 communities in Nunavut. These licensed facilities include daycares, preschools, head start programs and after-school programs. All licensed childcare facilities in Nunavut must follow the Nunavut's Child Day Care Act. According to the Child Day Care Act and Regulations, all childcare programs that have more than four children, where the majority of children are not related to the caregiver, must be licensed.

Who Can Participate?

Applications will be accepted from all non-profit organizations in good standing with Nunavut Legal Registries, including organizations such as the local District Education Authorities (DEAs) and municipalities, and family day homes.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for funding through this program, an organization must:

• Complete the Early Childhood Program Start-Up application
• Secure initial approval from the Office of the Fire Marshall, Environmental Health Officer and municipality
• Demonstrate community need (for example, if an existing centre is not used to at least 90% capacity, start-up for a new centre will not be approved)

How to Apply:

The completed application will need to include the following:

• A brief description of the program, including goals and objectives
• Needs assessment and three letters of support
• Approval from the Office of the Fire Marshall regarding compliance with the national fire code
• Approval from the office of the Environmental Health Officer regarding compliance with the Public Health Act
• A copy of completed Daycare Startup Budget Form for the start-up funds
• Proof of incorporation as a non-profit organization in good standing with Nunavut Legal Registries (family day homes do not need to incorporate themselves)
• Proof of compliance with zoning by-laws from the municipality
• Proof of a minimum of $2,000,000 comprehensive general liability insurance (or proof that once the premium is paid, there will be a minimum of $2,000,000 comprehensive general liability insurance)
• Completed application for a Child Care Facility License

For additional detailed information, download the document Starting a Licensed Childcare Program in Nunavut Completed applications should be sent to the appropriate regional office: