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Early Learning Centres
Early Learning Centres at Catholic Education Northern Territory
Start Your Child’s Journey with Faith and Love
Faith, Play, Love: Your Child’s ELC Journey Begins!
Discover nurturing, faith-filled Early Learning Centres across the NT, where children aged 3-5 (from 2 at select centres) grow in wisdom, love, and community.
For over 100 years, Catholic Education Northern Territory (CENT) has fostered young hearts through play-based learning rooted in Gospel values. Our nine Early Learning Centres, from Darwin to Alice Springs, offer vibrant spaces where children thrive, families connect, and NT’s diverse cultures shine. With affordable fees via the Child Care Subsidy, start your child’s journey today!
Please visit the official government website to get up to date information.
Why Choose CENT ELCs?
A Foundation for Life
At CENT’s Early Learning Centres, your child will:
- Learn Through Play: Programs aligned with the National Early Years Learning Framework “Being, Belonging, Becoming” spark creativity, curiosity, and social skills.
- Grow in Faith: Daily prayer and Gospel stories nurture spiritual growth in a Catholic community.
- Belong to Community: Small, inclusive settings foster family ties and celebrate NT’s Indigenous heritage.
- Be School-Ready: Seamless transitions to CENT primary schools build confidence and skills.
“Do small things with great love.” – St Teresa of Calcutta
Our ELCs Across the Northern Territory
Discover Your Nearest ELC
Our nine ELCs offer unique, faith-based programs tailored to local communities:
Note: Some ELCs may accept children from age 2; contact centres to confirm.
Affordability with Child Care Subsidy
Make ELCs Affordable with CCS - Child Care Subsidy
Reduce childcare costs with the Child Care Subsidy, covering up to 90% of fees for eligible families (income under $533,280). *Apply via myGov for all CENT ELCs. Additional support available for Indigenous or low-income families.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the Child Care Subsidy, please visit official government website, e.g: https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/providers/child-care-subsidy
Enrol Your Child Today
Join Our Faith-Filled Community
Start your child’s journey in a place where faith, play, and community shine. With flexible hours (7:00am–6:00pm at most ELCs), nutritious meals at select centres, and a network of 18 Catholic schools across the NT, CENT ELCs prepare children for a bright future.
Find out where our Early Learning Centre's are located
