An adult woman and a child with Down syndrome engaging in playful interaction with wooden toys indoors.

Northwest Territories releases its first Early Learning Framework for educators

Last month the Government of the Northwest Territories announced their first edition of the Early Learning Framework– a pedagogical, communication and reflective practice resource designed to support, guide and inspire ELCC educators in their practice.

Aligned with the vision and plans set out in the 2030 Early Learning and Child Care Strategy, the new framework presents a shared understanding and a common language for building relationships across the sector, nurturing children and supporting their development, and provides a flexible set of principles focused on supporting the diverse needs of children, families  and communities in the Northwest Territories. 

Incorporating local and Indigenous cultures, languages, knowledge systems and worldviews, the framework is informed by feedback and engagement sessions with the workforce and sector partners. The document is also inspired by a number of international and provincial early learning frameworks notably, British Columbia’s Early Learning Framework (2019). 

Intended to be a living document, the government says the framework will be updated and refined over time to reflect the unique lived experiences and knowledge of educators. This ensures the document will remain responsive and reflective of the people, culture and communities across the territory.    

Highlights from the new framework include: 

  • A comprehensive glossary of terms and a discussion of the symbol for the framework, the cranberry plant.
  • Principles that focus on ensuring all children of abilities and backgrounds are supported.
  • Practices for educators such as listening, reflecting, exploring different ways of thinking, and creating learning stories. 
  • Five broad areas for early learning and child care that include: Well-being, Exploration, Communication, Togetherness, and Land.  

Child Care Now welcomes this comprehensive Early Learning Framework for the Northwest Territories’ ELCC workforce and congratulates the government on moving forward on an important workforce action item in the Canada – Northwest Territories Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement – 2021 to 2026.