Central Coast families with three-year-old children could be in for some childcare fee relief this year.
The State Government will deliver fee relief for three-year-olds in long day care in line with its 2023-24 Budget commitment to make early childhood education and care more affordable and accessible.
The two-year trial will see an additional 64,000 families with three-year-old children in eligible preschool programs in long day care centres receive $500 in fee-relief.
It came into effect on January 1, 2024
The move is part of a more than $100M package of initiatives to invest in early learning and enhance the sector’s workforce.
Premier Chris Minns said more affordable preschool is a win-win for families across the state, as it helps ease the cost of living while also making it easier to earn a household income.
“This will mean more children can access early childhood education, where they will also benefit from health and education initiatives that will provide them with the best start to their learning life no matter their post code or background,” he said.
“Research tells us that participation of 600 hours of quality ECEC in the two years before school has life-long benefits for children and supports them to be socially, emotionally and cognitively equipped as they transition to school.”
From January 1, all NSW families could be eligible for: up to $500 per year in fee relief for three-year-olds attending eligible preschool programs in long day care on top of their CCS payment; up to $2,110 per year in fee relief for children aged four and over attending eligible preschool programs in long day care on top of their CCS payment; up to $4,220 per year for 3 to 5three-five-year-olds attending eligible community and mobile preschools; and five days a fortnight of affordable preschool fee relief for all children in Department of Education Preschools.
For more information on the Start Strong Program Guidelines visit education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/operating-an-early-childhood-education-service/grants-and-funded-programs/start-strong-funding