Families in the ACT looking for quality Canberra childcare can now take advantage of the Free Three-Year-Old Preschool Program. This program offers eligible children up to 300 hours of free preschool per year, helping to make early education more affordable. It’s an important ACT Government initiative designed to give children the best possible start in life.
Montessori Academy is a participating provider of the program and ACT families that are eligible can enjoy the benefits at our Gungahlin Childcare & Preschool. By combining the benefits of the ACT Free Preschool Program with our unique Montessori approach, children enjoy a high-quality, play-based education enriched with hands-on learning. Our programs nurture social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, setting strong foundations for school readiness and lifelong success.
What is the Free Three-Year-Old Preschool Program in ACT?
The Free Three-Year-Old Preschool Program is a government funding initiative that lets families can access up to 300 hours of free preschool each year in the ACT. This equates to:
- 6 hours per week for 50 weeks, or
- 7.5 hours per week for 40 weeks.
The program is usually delivered by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher, though staffing shortages may occasionally impact this.
Funding is paid directly to the provider by the ACT Government. Families will see the benefit through reduced fees rather than receiving cash payments.
Any hours above the free allocation are charged at the centre’s normal rate, but families may also be eligible for the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy.
Who is Eligible?
Your child may be eligible for the program if they:
- Are three years old on or before 30 April of the preschool year.
- Live in the ACT.
- Are enrolled with a participating partner provider.
Children are not eligible if they:
- Hold a temporary visa under section 30(2) of the Migration Act.
- Have already accessed the free three-year-old preschool program in a previous year.
- Are enrolled in the ACT four-year-old preschool program in the same year.
- Are participating in the targeted three-year-old initiative (unless they choose to swap).
- Are enrolled in more than one provider for preschool.
For full details, refer to the ACT Government’s program guidelines.
Benefits for Families and Children
- Financial relief: Up to 300 hours of free preschool reduces the cost burden on families.
- School readiness: A high-quality preschool program helps children transition smoothly into four-year-old preschool and formal schooling.
- Holistic development: Access to play-based learning supports children’s communication, social skills, problem-solving, and independence.
Discover more tips on supporting children’s growth in our article on school readiness.
These early years lay the foundation for future success, and access to preschool plays a vital role in giving children the best possible start.
How to Access the Program
- Check eligibility to ensure your child meets the age and residence requirements.
- Find a participating service.
- Enrol directly with the provider and confirm how the free hours will apply to your fees.
- Start anytime during the calendar year once your child meets the criteria.
Please note: The free hours must be used within the year. Unused hours cannot be carried over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many free preschool hours can my child access?
Eligible children can access up to 300 hours of free preschool per year, which can be delivered as 6 hours per week for 50 weeks or 7.5 hours per week for 40 weeks.
What if my child turns three after April?
Children must be three years old on or before 30 April in the year they start to be eligible. If your child turns three later in the year, they may not qualify until the following year.
Do I need to apply for funding myself?
No. The ACT Government pays the funding directly to participating providers. Families see the benefit through reduced fees on their preschool invoices.
Can my child attend more than one preschool?
No. The program applies to enrolment at one provider only. Families must choose a single partner provider for the free hours.
What happens if we don’t use all 300 hours?
Any unused hours are forfeited at the end of the calendar year and cannot be carried over.
Can the program be combined with the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
Yes. If your child attends more hours than the 300 free hours, you may be able to claim the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy to help cover additional costs.
Enrol Today
Montessori Academy is proud to support families in accessing government-funded preschool programs. Our centres provide high-quality Montessori education, delivered by passionate and qualified educators, in a nurturing environment.
If you’d like to learn more about enrolling your child in the ACT Free Three-Year-Old Preschool Funding Program at one of our centres and book a tour today.