NSW’s Start Strong Fee Relief Program

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 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 2025.

How does the Start Strong fee relief program for Long Day Care services work?

From January 2025, families with children aged 4 years old on or before 31st July 2025 may save up to $2,174, whereas children aged 3 years old and not yet 4 years old on or before 31 July in 2025 (birthdate on or between 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022) may save up to $515 in preschool fees.

This fee relief will be evenly distributed across 52-weeks in 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 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 2025, a child will need to:

• be at least 3 years old on or before 31 July 2025 (fee relief of up to $515), or be at least 4 years old on or before 31 July 2025 (fee relief of up to $2,174);
• 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.

How to access the preschool fee relief for 2025?

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 Oxford Early Learning Centre’s Preschool Program

Oxford Early Learning Centre offers numerous benefits to children enrolled in preschool program. Our child-centered approach ensures children develop independence, confidence, and problem-solving abilities while preparing them for a smooth transition to school. Key advantages include:

• Socialization and emotional development: Children learn essential skills like sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

• Cognitive development: Through engaging activities, children enhance language, math, and problem-solving abilities.

• School readiness: Children adapt to routines and expectations, making the transition to formal schooling easier.

• Parental support and engagement: Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s learning, fostering better outcomes.

If you believe Oxford Early Learning Centre’s Preschool Program is right for your child,

search for a Oxford Early Learning centre near you and book a tour.

This page was last updated on 22 January 2025. 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.