The NSW Government’s ‘Start Strong’ funding helps cover the cost of Preschool for three and four-year-old children in childcare settings. Families could save up to $2,562.56 annually for eligible four-year-olds and up to $768.56 for eligible three-year-olds. This benefit is in addition to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) many families already receive (but you don’t have to have CCS to claim the fee relief).
It is applicable to the following families:
- Four-Year-Olds: Your child must turn four (4) on or before 31 July 2026, and be enrolled into a Young Academics service.
- Three-Year-Olds: Your child must turn three (3) on or before 31 July 2026, and is enrolled at Young Academics.
In 2026, the NSW Government is offering two levels of fee relief: Maximum funding and Standard funding
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- Maximum funding is for;
- Children are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, OR
- The service they attend is located in a SEIFA Decile 1 or 2 area (most disadvantaged areas), OR
- The service is located in a regional, remote or very remote ARIA+ area
- Standard funding is for;
- Any child who does not meet the above criteria for the “Maximum” funding.
- Must turn 3yrs or 4yrs on or before 31st July 2026
- Maximum funding is for;
- Fee Relief amounts for Young Academics services that operate 52 weeks per year;
- 4 Year Old’s (turning 4 by 31 July 2026)
- Maximum funding: $49.28 per week
- Standard funding: $34.28 per week
- 3 Year Old’s (turning 3 by 31 July 2026)
- Maximum funding: $14.78 per week
- Standard funding: $8.13 per week
- 4 Year Old’s (turning 4 by 31 July 2026)
Families need to complete this declaration form and select one eligible service to receive the fee relief. This reduction will be reflected in your statements.
More information: Start Strong for families
