Starting and operating a licensed early learning and child care program
The NWT's Child Day Care Act and Standards Regulations set out the minimum standards that must be met in a licensed early learning and child care program to ensure the safety, well-being, and developmental needs of children are met.
How to get a licence
Under the Child Day Care Act, a licence is required to operate a early licensed child care program that provides care for 4 or more children.
To become a licensed child care provider in the NWT, contact the Early Childhood Consultant in your region. They will take you through the steps you need to prepare and apply for a license.
Early Childhood Programs Handbook
The Understanding the Child Day Care Regulations: A Handbook for Early Childhood Programs is for people who have or want to apply for a Child Day Care Facility Licence to operate a child day care facility. It provides guidance and information on:
- How you can apply for or renew a child care licence
- what is involved in inspecting and monitoring a licensed child care program
- terms used in the Act and Regulation
- how to appeal or dispute a licensing decision
- how to report incidents
- other important information to assist you with being licensed
Rules for operating a licensed child care facility
Funding for licensed child care facilities
- Apply for funding to support child inclusion and participation
- Apply for early childhood Infrastructure funding
- Participate in the child care fee reduction subsidy
Forms for licensed programs
- Licensing Inspection Summary
- Discussion Form
- Serious Occurrence Report
- Staff Update Notice
- Statement of Outstanding Criminal Charges
- Program Contribution Attendance Report
- Record of Child Care Workers
Contact us
Contact the Early Childhood Consultant in your region if you have questions about applying for and receiving a child care licence.