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.

As of April 1, 2023, licensed family day home operators are eligible to receive the Early Childhood Program Operating Subsidy for child care spaces filled by their own children between birth to 11 years of age.

In March 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced public housing changes to support tenants in living in public housing within non-market communities, to open and operate a licensed family day home. The pilot project will begin April 1, 2023, for a two-year period. Learn more.

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 family day homes

• Child care fee reduction subsidy
• Early childhood program operating subsidy
• Early childhood program provider enhancement grant
• Health and safety funding
• New child care spaces fund

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 license.