Nearly 90 childcare operators sought financial assistance from the Territory Labor Government when one-off grants of up to $10,000 were offered to help them through COVID-19.

The NT Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Special Assistance Grant was available from 11 May to 22 June to all long day care, family day care and outside school hours care providers.

It was made available after the Federal Government, the majority funder of childcare services, announced its Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package, which gave free childcare to families already enrolled.

The package guaranteed operators 50 per cent of their revenue in the two weeks leading up to 2 March, which, for some, led to a drastic reduction in income.

The Territory Labor Government’s ECEC COVID-19 Special Assistance Grant was offered to help with the provision of food and cleaning supplies, as well as to replace essential items that services were unable to replace due to cash-flow issues.

There are 149 early childhood education and care services in the Northern Territory, operated by a range of non-government entities, from school councils, to small not-for-profit, community-based organisations, through to large for-profit organisations.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our early childhood education carers and educators have been the Territory’s unsung heroes.

“Due to the Federal Government’s temporary changes to childcare funding, we heard from some Territory operators they were concerned about the future viability of their services.

“To support them through this time, we offered one-off assistance grants of up to $10,000, which enabled them to continue operating until the previous funding model was restored earlier this month.

“I am pleased that the Territory Labor Government was able to help nearly 90 operators, who were able to continue opening their doors and their arms to young children throughout a stressful time for many families.

“Our early childhood education and care workers underpin the Territory economy. This sector plays a vital role in contributing to strong children, strong families and a strong community.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144