There are 149 early childhood education and care services in the Territory.

The NT Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Special Assistance Grant was available from May 11 to June 22 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 March 2, which, for some, led to a drastic reduction in income.

The NT 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 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.

Education Minister Selena Uibo said: "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 the 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."

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