For 2026, the Start Strong program provides two rates of fee relief. Most families receive up to $1,783 a year for eligible children aged 4 and above and up to $423 a year for children aged 3. A higher maximum rate of up to $2,563 (aged 4 and above) or $769 (aged 3) applies to children who meet additional eligibility criteria. This funding is in addition to Australian Government Child Care Subsidy payments.
Start Strong Affordable Preschool Fee Relief Funding Program is a New South Wales Government initiative to help make Preschool more affordable, reducing the stress for families across NSW. More information can be found on the NSW Department of Education's Start Strong Funding webpage.
To be eligible for the Start Strong Affordable Preschool fee relief program in 2026, a child will need to: be at least 3 years old on or before 31 July 2026 (standard fee relief of up to $423), or be at least 4 years old on or before 31 July 2026 (standard fee relief of up to $1,783);
- be enrolled in an eligible early childhood education program;
- not be receiving the fee relief for another service.
All NSW families are eligible regardless of Citizenship or residency status. The Start Strong funding is in addition to and will not affect families’ Child Care Subsidy (CCS) payments. More information can be found on the NSW Department of Education's Start Strong Funding webpage.
Yes! We are an eligible provider of the Start Strong Preschool Fee Relief Program.
For 2026, fee relief is a flat annual amount per enrolled child, passed on as a reduction to your fees after the Child Care Subsidy. For eligible children aged 4 and above, the standard payment is up to $1,783 per child per year, and for eligible children aged 3 it is up to $423 per child per year. A higher maximum rate (up to $2,563 for ages 4 and above, or $769 for age 3) applies to children who meet additional eligibility criteria. The amount is linked to your child's enrolment rather than the number of days booked. More information can be found on the NSW Department of Education's Start Strong Funding webpage.
Please get in touch with our friendly team and we will send you the Start Strong fee relief declaration form. Families are required to complete a declaration form to nominate the specific long day-care centre they would like to receive fee relief from. A child can only receive fee relief from one nominated childcare centre, at any one time.