NSW’s Start Strong Affordable Preschool fee relief program
The NSW Government introduced a preschool fee relief program for families with children aged 4 years old and above in 2023: The Start Strong Affordable Preschool initiative. This new initiative aimed at delivering more affordable preschool to eligible children to encourage enrolments in the two years before school. The fee relief for long day care will continue into 2024.
How does the Start Strong fee relief program for Long Day Care services work?
From January 2024, families with children aged 4 years old on or before 31st July 2024 may save up to $2,110, whereas children aged 3 years old and not yet 4 years old on or before 31 July in 2024 (birthdate on or between 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021) may save up to $500 in preschool fees.
This fee relief will be evenly distributed across the calendar year and passed onto families as a reduction to their fortnightly statements i.e., a 4-year-old child attending between January to June 2024 will only receive the fee relief for the 6-month enrolled period.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Start Strong Affordable Preschool fee relief program in 2024, a child will need to:
- be at least 3 years old on or before 31 July 2024 (fee relief of up to $500), or be at least 4 years old on or before 31 July 2024 (fee relief of up to $2,110);
- 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 additional to and will not affect families’ Child Care Subsidy (CCS) payments.
Childcare providers that have been operational in May 2022 (during the initial program announcement) are being prioritised to receive this rebate. Our newly operational services’ eligibility is under review with the Department of Education, and we anticipate they will be eligible for the program soon. Operational centres pending eligibility:
- Revesby NSW 2212
- Narellan Central NSW 2567
How to access the preschool fee relief for 2024?
If you are wondering how to claim the Start Strong Affordable Preschool fee relief, contact your childcare centre to receive the fee relief declaration form. Families are required to complete a declaration form to nominate the long daycare centre they would like to receive fee relief from.
Families can only receive this fee relief from one childcare centre, at any one time.
Benefits of attending Montessori Academy’s Preschool Program
Research links participation in a quality early childhood education program in the two years before school with better outcomes at school and higher social, cognitive, and emotional skills. The Montessori Preschool Program is a structured program designed to help children build the foundational knowledge and skills they will need to transition confidently to any school setting. Our program empowers children to develop their independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
The Montessori Preschool Curriculum introduces children to a range of advanced Montessori materials that provide rich opportunities for learning and will help children develop strong academic and wellbeing foundations to prepare them for school, and life. Many families find that their children thrive within the Montessori environment. If you think that the Montessori Academy Preschool Program may be the right choice for your child, search for a Montessori Academy childcare centre near you and book a tour.
This page was last updated on 7 November 2023. Any changes to this initiative after this date may not be reflected. Please refer to the NSW Department of Education’s website for the latest updates.