Fee Help for Preschool in NSW

What is it?

The NSW Government offers funding to subsidise the cost of preschool in long day care for 3- and 4-year-old children in 2026. This support is in addition to the Child Care Subsidy and can help to lower your out-of-pocket fees.

Who can get it?

• Children aged 4 years old on or before 31 July 2026. (The child’s birthdate must be on, or before, 31 July 2022)
• Children who are between 3 years old and less than 4 on or before 31 July 2026. (The child’s birthdate must be on, or between, 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023)
• Enrolled at a preschool program at an eligible Centre (like Guardian)

How does it work?

There are 2 categories of fee relief payment in 2026:

• Children eligible for the maximum fee relief rate: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, children attending a Centre located in regional and remote areas, and areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage can receive up to:
  • $2,563 per year for children aged 4 and above
  • $769 per year for children aged 3 years old.
• All other children can receive up to:
  • $1,783 per year for children aged 4 and above
  • $423 per year for children aged 3 years old.

The subsidy is an annual amount applied across 50 weeks of the year regardless of the number of hours your child attends our Centre each week. 

• Children who are at least 4 years old on, or before, 31 July 2026 who receive up-to $1,783 per year could get a subsidy of up-to $35.66 each week.
• Children who are 3 years old and not yet 4 years old on, or before 31 July in 2026 who receive up-to $423 per year could get a subsidy of up-to $8.46 each week.

How do I get it?

• Families must complete a declaration form and nominate one service from which you would like to receive the fee relief. You can only access fee relief from one Centre at a time.
• Your fee relief will be passed on as a reduction in your gap fees and will be reflected in your statement from the Centre.

More information: Start Strong for families

*Please note Guardian does not currently operate any Centres located in regional and remote areas or areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage.