Français

Yukon early learning educators

Professional development community

This is a space for early childhood educators to learn, explore and grow together as a community.

It all begins at an early age.

Our view of ourselves, others and the world begins in our earliest years. These views set our course for the years to follow. As early childhood educators, the work you do today, shapes childrens’ futures.

This community aims to help you:

  • promote child-led discoveries to inspire their confidence to innovate solutions to tomorrow’s challenges;
  • direct purposeful play to develop skills children will need to create a strong and healthy community;
  • model the empathy and care you hope to see reflected in children as empathetic and caring adults;
  • listen to, learn from and support the work of Indigenous knowledge holders and Elders with the understanding that education is key for reconciliation; and
  • celebrate the unique culture and background of each child ensuring that they see themselves, their cultures and their identities reflected in their environments.

The future of our society begins with the next generation. Today and every day, early childhood educators are shaping tomorrow’s worldview.

"Investing in early childhood educators is an investment in the future of a happier and healthier Yukon."

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

Child looking through a toy camera with an unidentifiable outdoor background.Child looking through cardboard tube binoculars while standing in tall grass.

See the future. Look to early learning.

The way children see the world today will create the world we live in tomorrow.

Latest news and events

Stay up to date with the latest news and events from the early learning educators professional development community.

It starts with a book: nourishing SEL one story at a time

This 10-part workshop series that provides an opportunity for educators to dig deeper into supporting children’s social and emotional development. Inspired by children’s books and guided by the CASEL framework, this workshop will explore SEL themes through group discussion, reflection, play, and lots of hands-on activities.

View the It starts with a book: nourishing SEL one story at a time workshop series

Building blocks: foundations of SEL with the CASEL framework

Join the ELCC team for the first session in the "It starts with a book: nourishing SEL one story at a time" workshop series!

In this workshop, participants will explore the five CASEL competencies and how to children's books can be used intentionally to support social and emotional skills in early childhood. 

View Building blocks: foundations of SEL with the CASEL framework workshop

Understanding the Early Years

The Early Learning and Child Care branch at the Yukon Department of Education have partnered with Yukon First Nations Education Directorate and the Early Years Program to offer the ‘Understanding the Early Years’ course. The course, rich in Yukon First Nations culture, supports the development of culturally competent early childhood educators.

View Understanding the Early Years course Whitehorse Fall, 2025