Finding and Choosing Early Learning and Child Care Programs
Overview
Early learning and child care play a crucial role in the healthy development of all children. During the first five years of a child's life, their brain grows rapidly, and everyone involved in their life, including family members, grandparents, caregivers, and others, plays a significant role in shaping their early development.
Choosing quality child care is an important decision. You want a secure, healthy environment that fosters your children's development in all areas - social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional.
Licensed early learning and child care programs provide families with a safe and caring environment for children to learn and grow in. They deliver a valued service across the territories.
A licence is required to operate an early learning and child care program that provides care for four or more children.
To get a licence, a home or centre must meet the requirements stated in Early Learning and Child Care Act and Early Learning and Child Care Regulations and be inspected once a year.
Know your options
If you have an infant, toddler or preschooler, you can choose between:
If your child is in – or ready for – school, you can choose from:
Choosing the right child care for you
Choosing the right child care for your family can be a difficult decision with a lot to consider.
Read our tips to help you find and choose quality child care in the NWT. This guide will help you know what to look for, what questions to ask and what details to consider when choosing child care.
Search for early learning and child care
After you’ve decided on the type of licensed program that is right for your family, search a list of licensed early learning and child care facilities.
Contact us if you have concerns
Contact us if you have concerns related to the health, safety or well-being of children in a centre-based or home-based facility – whether they are a licensed or unlicensed.
What to look for in an early learning and child care home or centre
Health and safety
- The licence is posted in a visible place when you enter the home or centre.
- The home or centre is clean and in good repair.
- Doors to outside or to unsafe areas (e.g. a garage or parking area) are secure.
- Balconies are locked and off limits, there are gates on stairwells and windows are securely fastened.
- Staff and children wash their hands before meals and after toileting or diapering.
- Toys are disinfected on a regular basis (daily for infants and toddlers).
- There are clear routines in case of an emergency such as fire, evacuation or accident.
- Procedures about children’s allergies (such as food) are clearly stated and observed.
- There are clear routines for giving children needed medications at child care.
- Cleaning products, medications or implements are stored safely.
- If meals are provided, menus are posted, and the food is nutritious.
- When children leave the premises (to go to the library or park, for example), they are well supervised.
- Outdoor space is clean, well-maintained and available.
- Cribs/playpens and other equipment meet current safety standards.
- Each child has his/her own crib (infants/toddlers), cot and/or bedding/pillow/blanket for sleeping.
- Staff have up to date first aid training.
- Families are aware of the presence and roles of all adults on the child care premises (including family members).
- The number of children in the home/group/room (at a minimum) meets the standard.
Environment, materials and programming
- Families are regularly provided with information about the daily schedule and programming, as well as about their child’s day and activities.
- There are activities, equipment and materials suited to children of different ages.
- Children have access to a variety of age-appropriate equipment and materials.
- Activities emphasize play and exploration through group and individual activities.
- Children have considerable opportunity for active play, much of it outdoors.
- The child care environment is set up in a safe, accessible and interesting way (for example, children can use materials freely).
- Children are not overly controlled or programmed; at the same time, they are not wandering around aimlessly.
- Children are engaged with the materials and environment, they look busy, content and relaxed.
- There are displays of children’s work and documentation of activities.
- Diversity – racial, ethnic, gender, ability – is well represented in materials, visually and in programming.
- The space is organized to make transitions (from indoors to outdoors, or from active play to lunchtime) smooth.
- There is a welcoming, warm atmosphere for families.
- There is at most limited use of TV or other passive technology.
Staff
- Staff have education or training related to working with young children; at a minimum, certification requirements are met by the home or centre.
- The staff engages in professional development or information sharing with others in early childhood education on an ongoing basis.
- In a home setting, caregivers can provide references.
- Staff have a clearly defined approach to education and caring.
- Staff treat children with respect, listen to them and respond to them sensitively.
- Staff encourage co-operation, problem-solving and independence in the children.
- Staff welcome families into the child care environment at any time; there is an “open door” policy.
- (In a centre): There is a plan for staff replacement in the event of their illness or other absence.
- (In a centre): Staff communicate with each other in a positive and respectful manner (the centre seems to have a good working environment).
- (In a centre): All staff are acknowledged and introduced to visitors in a respectful way.
Overall
- A policy manual or policy document is available to families.
- Goals and objectives for children and families are articulated.
- Families are involved or consulted about the home or centre or other aspects of the child care.
- If children with special needs are enrolled, the daily program is modified as needed to support their full inclusion and participation in the program. Is the centre a not-for-profit organization? For-profit? Publicly operated? Who’s responsible for it – A parent volunteer board? A community board? A municipal government? An owner? A company? If there is a “head office”, where is it?
- How often, and how, are families expected to participate in centre or home activities?
- What are the hours of operation?
- How much are the child care space fees? When are fees due? Are receipts issued for payment of fees?
- Is there an extra charge for bringing a child early or arriving later than usual to pick up the child?
- Can the home/centre accept fee subsidies from the provincial/territorial government?
- What’s the policy about paying for holiday times (when the child is away)?
- Is there a deposit (to be on the waiting list)? If so, is it refundable?
- Is it inspected by the Government of the Northwest Territories (is the home/centre licensed)?