Starting and operating a licensed centre-based program
The NWT's Child Day Care Act (Act), Early Learning and Child Care Standards Regulations, and Early Learning and Child Care Funding Regulations set out the minimum standards that must be met in a licensed early learning and child care program (licensed program) to ensure the safety, well-being, and developmental needs of children are met.
On May 1, 2023, amendments to the Child Day Care Act, Early Learning and Child Care Standards Regulations, and new Early Learning and Child Care Funding Regulations came into force. Read an overview of the changes.
How to get a license
Under the Act, a license is required to operate a licensed 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 License to operate licensed program. It provides guidance and information on:
- how you can apply for or renew a child care license
- 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 program
- Child Day Care Act
- Early Learning and Child Care Standards Regulations
- Early Learning and Child Care Funding Regulations
Funding for licensed centre-based programs
- Retention incentive funding
- Child care fee reduction subsidy
- Early childhood infrastructure fund
- Early childhood program cultural resource grant
- Early childhood program operating subsidy
- Early childhood program provider enhancement grant
- Early childhood program technology grant
- Health and safety funding
- New child care spaces fund
- Supporting child inclusion and participation funding program
Forms for licensed programs
- Online Directory Profile Form
- Discussion Form
- Serious Occurrence Report
- Employee Update Notice for Licensed Centre-Based Early Learning and Child Care Programs
- 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 license.