PARENT INFORMATION
Start Strong preschool Program
In 2026, families can access fee relief for preschool-aged children through the Start Strong program. Families may save up to $2,563 a year for eligible children aged 4 and above and up to $769 a year for children aged 3 in eligible long day cares in 2026.
Eligibility
In 2026, there will be 2 categories of fee relief:
Children eligible for the maximum fee relief rate can receive up to:
• $2,563 per year for children aged 4 years old on or before 31 July 2026
• $769 per year for children aged 3 years old or or before 31 July 2026
A child is eligible for maximum funding if they are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or if they attend a service that is regional or remote, in an area of higher socio-economic disadvantage, or operated by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
All other children can receive up to:
• $1,783 per year for children aged 4 years old on or before 31 July 2026
• $423 per year for children aged 3 years old on or before 31 July 2026
How will it work?
The Start Strong fee relief will be applied to your account as a weekly credit, calculated by dividing the annual amount by 52 weeks.
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Maximum fee relief:
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4-year-olds: $49.28/week
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3-year-olds: $14.78/week
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Standard fee relief:
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4-year-olds: $34.28/week
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3-year-olds: $8.13/week
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How do I access the fee relief?
Families are required to complete a declaration form to nominate the long daycare centre they would like to receive fee relief from. You can only receive this fee relief at one centre at a time. This is confirmed by the completion of the declaration form.
Please contact our Family Relations Team on 02 8362 3000 to receive the fee relief declaration form.
Are families eligible for the Commonwealth Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and the fee relief?
Yes. The fee relief will have no impact on the amount of Child Care Subsidy families receive. You will still need to pay any gap fees remaining after the Child Care Subsidy and fee relief have been applied.
Are Non-residents eligible for the start strong fee relief?
Yes, all NSW families are eligible. The Fee relief is not means tested and there are no residency or visa requirements.
What happens if my child is sick and does not attend the service for the day?
The fee relief is linked to enrolment not attendance. If your child is sick and does not attend on one of their enrolled days, your weekly fee relief amount does not change.
My child will leave the centre during the year. What will happen to the remaining fee relief?
If a child leaves our service part way through the year, they will only receive the prorate valued up until that time.