A range of childcare and preschool services is available to your family in the Northern Territory.
When searching for a child care centre or preschool it is important to think about the type of care you'd like your child or children to be in, and how long you'd like them to be in care per week.
You can choose from private providers, community groups, government-funded agencies, individuals, babysitters or nannies.
In the Territory we offer the following services:
- long day care
- family day care
- outside school hours care
- in-home care
- occasional care
Long day care services, also known as child care centres or centre-based care, provide care and education programs for children from birth to school age. They usually operate between 7.30am and 6pm to cater to families' needs.
Children are usually grouped in rooms according to age and developmental stage.
Family day care service is run by educators who provide care and education programs from their home. This service can provide flexible care including before and after school, weekends and overnight care. Limits apply to the number of children who can be cared for in a home.
Outside school hours care offer supervised care and recreation programs for primary school age children before and after school, school holidays and on pupil-free days.
These services are generally located in primary schools but can also operate from child care centres or other community facilities.
Preschool is a structured, play-based learning program delivered by a qualified teacher.
Children usually go to preschool at the age of four.
Most preschools in the NT are part of a school. Some long day care services may also provide a preschool program.
Starting blocks offers up-to-date information on centres around where you live.
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