Positive news for thousands of Aussie families as new preschool fee relief program rolled out in 2023

From 2023, preschool will become more affordable for more NSW families who can look forward to receiving fee-relief for the first time.

Start Strong preschool fee relief aims to alleviate some of the costs to families by providing a subsidy for early childhood education and care.

Gillian White, Deputy Secretary, Early Childhood Outcomes explained $1.3 billion will be invested in preschool education providing fee-relief to families over the next four years.

“This translates to the families of more than 100,000 children enrolled in preschool programs across NSW receiving benefit from fee-relief funding in 2023,” Ms White said.

“It’s important that all children have access to a quality early childhood education, so they can have the best possible start to their learning journey.

“Funding will also be provided to Department of Education preschools, who will be supported to deliver the equivalent to 5 days per fortnight of affordable preschool for all children in Department of Education preschool.

“Through our Start Strong program, we will improve the affordability of early childhood education, improve quality, boost outcomes for children and see enrolments and attendance increase in the years before school.”

Here’s a snapshot of the Start Strong preschool fee-relief for families of children aged three and four:

• Children aged 3 and above enrolled in Community and Mobile Preschools will benefit from fee-relief funding of up to $4,220 per child.
• Children aged 4 and above enrolled in Long Day Care / Centre-based Day Care will benefit from fee-relief funding of up to $2,110 per child.

To access the preschool fee relief, families need to complete a declaration and consent form and provide it to their child’s service. Talk to your service or visit education.nsw.gov.au/startstrong to find out more and download the form.