Grants and Contributions:

The IELCC Transformation Initiative supports the shared goal of delivering high‑quality early learning and child care that is affordable, flexible, equitable, and inclusive, as outlined in the IELCC Framework. It funds quality‑improvement projects that develop curriculum grounded in Indigenous cultures and languages, strengthen community and professional capacity, and enhance staff training to improve access to high‑quality IELCC. The initiative also tracks progress on increasing the number of children accessing culturally appropriate and inclusive IELCC services.

The Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative (IELCC) supports the implementation of the co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. This Framework reflects the unique cultures and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The initiative enables greater control in IELCC through a new partnership model to facilitate Indigenous-led decision-making to advance national and regional priorities.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is the federal lead for this horizontal initiative. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and PHAC are key partners.