The NWT's Early Learning and Child Care Act (Act) ​and ​​​​Early Learning and Child Care 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.

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.

Rules for operating a licensed program

• Early Learning and Child Care Act
• Early Learning and Child Care Regulations

Funding

• Early Childhood Infrastructure Fund
• Dedicated Wage Funding
• Flexible Operating Funding
• Health and Safety Funding for Centre-based Programs
• New Child Care Spaces Fund for Centre-based Programs
• Supporting Child Inclusion and Participation

Forms

• Online Directory Profile Form
• Employee Update Notice for Licensed Centre-based Early Learning and Child Care Programs
• Statement of Outstanding Criminal Charges
• Staff List for Licensed Centre-Based Early Learning and Child Care Programs
• Application for New Early Childhood Educator Qualification Assessment 
• Professional Learning Information for Early Childhood Educator Qualification Assessment