Greater access to Preschool in NSW with ‘Start Strong’ fee relief
Preschool is all about having fun and learning through play.
It’s an exciting time for children to develop important skills in a safe and secure environment, surrounded by their peers and led by a qualified teacher who supports their learning.
When your child attends a preschool program in a long day care setting, they will be supported to:
- Further develop their communication skills
- Learn patience, turn-taking, and negotiation
- Develop confidence, and friendship building skills
- Let their natural curiosity lead them to discover and learn every day
- Begin working on those numeracy and literacy skills that will prepare them for primary school
A Preschool program will support your child as they explore the world around them and create new meaning. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to actively engage with materials through hands-on experiences and play-based learning.
We’re really proud of our leading two-year Preschool program. That’s why we’re excited that the NSW Government is offering funding to eligible families to access preschool. ‘Start Strong’ preschool fee relief applies to programs delivered in both sessional care and long day care settings – just like ours.
What is it?
The NSW Government offers funding to subsidise the cost of Preschool in long day care for three-year-old and four-year-old children. Families may save up to $2,110 a year for eligible children aged four years old and above and up to $500 a year for children aged three in eligible long day cares in 2024. This is in addition to the CCS (Child Care Subsidy) many families already receive.
Who can get it?
A child must turn four years old on or before 31 July 2024 and be enrolled in a preschool program at an eligible long day care service like we offer at Guardian. If your child is three years old and not yet four years old on, or before, 31 July in 2024 and is enrolled at an eligible long day care service, you will receive up to $500 in fee relief.
How does it work?
The subsidy is a dollar amount and is applied across 46 weeks of the year. The fee relief will reduce families’ gap fees by:
- up to $46.00 each week for children who are at least 4 years old on, or before, 31 July 2024
- up to $11.00 each week for children who are 3 years old and not yet 4 years old on, or before 31 July in 2024.
Families must complete a declaration form and nominate one service from which they would like to receive the fee relief.
The fee relief will be passed on to families as a reduction in their gap fees. The reduction in their gap fee will be reflected in the statements they receive from their Centre.
More information: Start Strong for families
Children in NSW get the best start to life at Guardian
Our leading Preschool program, combined with the Strong Start New South Wales Government funding and Child Care Subsidy, make it possible for more families to access high-quality care and education for their 3-5 year old children.
We have many incredible Centres in Sydney and regional NSW, and we continue to grow – here’s where we’re located.
Looking for the right Childcare Centre for your Family?
Submit your details and a member of our Concierge Team will be in touch to discuss what you need and how we can help you experience something more than childcare.
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