How the NSW Government Helps With The Cost of Sydney Childcare
If you’re a mum to a preschool aged child, giving them the best start in life can feel daunting, especially when considering the costs. But there's good news. The NSW Start Strong program offers eligible families up to 15 hours of subsidised preschool each week, making quality early education more affordable.
This initiative can support your family and set your child up for success. Here’s how it work:
Eligible children in New South Wales can access 15 hours of subsidised preschool per week in 2025 through the Start Strong program. The NSW government is committed to providing 600 hours of quality preschool education per year (equivalent to 15 hours per week for 40 weeks) for children in the years before school.
For 2025, the Start Strong program offers Family Fee Relief Payments to reduce preschool costs:
$515 for children who are 3 years old (but not 4) on or before July 31, 2025
$2,174 for children who are 4 years old on or before July 31, 2025
These payments apply to eligible children attending preschool programs in participating long day care services or community preschools. To access this funding, families need to complete a 2025 Fee Relief Declaration and consent form for each child and submit it to their Parramatta preschool or long day care centre.
The program aims to make 15 hours of weekly preschool more affordable and accessible for families with 3-5 year old children. This initiative is part of the NSW government's plan to deliver universal preschool across the state by 2030.
Start Strong Works in Conjunction With the Childcare Benefit Scheme
Start Strong works in conjunction with the Federal Government’s Child Care Benefit Subsidy, it doesn't replace it. It is an additional layer of support specifically for preschool within long day care and community preschools in NSW.
How Does the Start Strong Program Ensure Quality Childcare?
The Start Strong program ensures the quality of early childhood education through several key measures:
1. Qualified educators: The program requires services to deliver early childhood education programs by qualified early childhood teachers.
2. Curriculum framework: Services must use the Early Years Frameworks to guide their educational programs.
3. Quality standards: The program supports quality uplift in preschool education as one of its main objectives.
4. Outcomes-focused approach: Start Strong incorporates an outcomes-focused approach, measuring not just outputs but also outcomes for children.
5. Program logic and outcomes framework: The department has developed defined, measurable, and attributable outcomes linked to program objectives, focusing on quality, enrolment, affordability, and participation.
6. Approved learning framework: At participating centres, preschool and school readiness programs use an approved learning framework to support individualised learning in various curriculum areas, including numeracy, oral language and literacy, emotional and social development, and self-regulation.
7. Service approval: To participate in the Start Strong program, services must have service approval under the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 or relevant state laws.
By implementing these measures, the Start Strong program aims to ensure that children receive high-quality early childhood education, setting them up for success in their future learning journey.
Preschool and the Benefits of Early Childhood Education
Preschool education refers to the period of learning that takes place from birth to the age of five. It typically includes children from two to five years of age attending preschool or early childhood programs. This formative stage serves as a crucial foundation for cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development, offering young learners rich experiences that prepare them for school and life beyond.
Benefits of Early Childhood Education
Cognitive Development
Early childhood education stimulates young brains, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Children learn through play, which enhances their cognitive abilities, preparing them for the more structured learning environment of primary school.
Social and Emotional Growth
Preschool environments provide essential opportunities for children to interact with peers, helping them develop social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy. These interactions also nurture emotional development, teaching children how to manage feelings and build resilience.
Language and Communication Skills
Exposure to language-rich environments enhances children's vocabulary and communication skills. Early education supports language development through storytelling, songs, and conversations.
Physical Development
Preschool activities often incorporate physical play, which is vital for developing fine and gross motor skills. Children engage in activities like drawing, cutting, and running, which contribute to their overall health and physical growth.
Preparation for Future Learning
High-quality preschool programs lay the groundwork for lifelong learning, bridging the gap between informal learning at home and formal education in primary school. Children enter school with essential skills and are better equipped to meet academic challenges.
Equalising Educational Opportunities
Access to preschool education can help level the playing field for children from diverse backgrounds. Early exposure to a learning environment can narrow achievement gaps related to socioeconomic status.
Integration with Policy Initiatives
Programs like the NSW Start Strong offer essential support to families, ensuring early childhood education is more accessible and affordable. By providing subsidies and focusing on quality, such initiatives reinforce the importance of early learning as a strategic investment in the future of children and society.
Incorporating the existing policies and benefits, early childhood education is instrumental in promoting holistic development and educational equity. Communities, governments, and educational institutions collaborating on such initiatives ensure young learners receive the best possible start to their educational journey.
