ECEC Provider in Focus: Territory Child Care Group

Darwin Family Day Care is an arm of the Territory Child Care Group, which has provided a variety of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in the Northern Territory for over 40 years. 

 

Territory Child Care Group services include long day care, family day care (FDC), after school, and vacation care. 

 

What is the history of Territory Child Care Group? 

 

Territory Child Care Group started as a FDC scheme in 1977 and has evolved to include Murraya Children’s Centre (2008), Maniltoa Children’s Centre (2020) and Bees Creek Outside School Hours and Vacation Care (2007). 

 

Territory Child Care group is a not-for-profit organisation. Reporting to the Board, the Director is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Territory Child Care Group. The Director is supported by a management team responsible for specific aspects of the organisation’s work. 

 

What is Territory Child Care Group’s vision and approach to learning?

 

“In maintaining our strategic plan cycle, we seek and use observation, information and feedback that reflects the stakeholders’ needs and provides a framework for our mission and goals,” information on the organisation’s website notes.  

 

“We set operational priorities so that people know where to focus their efforts and have a vision for the future. Continuous quality improvement provides principles and tools for guiding the planning and improvement processes to celebrate strengths and successes and address limitations, barriers, and weaknesses.”

 

Are there any unique aspects to the Territory Child Care Group offer?

 

Yes, there are. 

 

Specific to Darwin FDC, educators embrace and practice a variety of educational pedagogies, including Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Steiner and inquiry-based learning.

 

Educators are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children in their care, and strive to build positive relationships with families and have a shared understanding of children’s preferences, interests, backgrounds and cultures, and to create a curriculum which is engaging, relevant, cultural and in context with the community. 

 

“Darwin FDC upholds the current thinking in early childhood research where children who feel safe, have secure attachments and have the confidence to explore and investigate the world around them are the foundation that supports learning and development. 

 

“We believe that by providing a safe, secure and consistent environment for children, we are setting them up for success in their learning and development,” the website notes.

 

Learn more about Territory Child Care Group here.