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.

Eligilibity

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’ Childcare Subsidy (CCS) payments.

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 Oxford Early Learning Centre’s Preschool Program

Attending Oxford Early Learning Centre before going to school offers several benefits for young children that collectively contribute to a well-rounded early childhood experience. Oxford Early Learning Centre sets a strong foundation for future academic and personal success. Our program empowers children to develop their independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Not only do we focus on child-centred learning, allowing children to explore their interests and develop at their own pace, but also provide: Socialization and emotional development whereby children learn to interact with peers, developing essential social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Engaging activities and early education programs to stimulate cognitive development, enhancing skills in areas such as language, math, and problem-solving. Preparation for school, to help children adapt to the routines and expectations of a school environment. Problem-solving skills whereby children learn to do tasks on their own, fostering independence and self-confidence. Parental support and engagement which enhances parenting skills that can lead to better outcomes for children as parents become more engaged in their child’s learning and development. Many families find that their children thrive within the Oxford environment.

If you think that the Oxford Early Learning Centre Preschool Program may be the right choice for your child, search for an Oxford Early Learning Centre near you and book a tour.

This page was last updated on 18 July 2024. 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.