If you are a parent in New South Wales with a child aged 3 to 5 years old, you may be eligible for Preschool Funding through the State Government’s Start Strong Preschool Funding Program.

What is the Start Strong Preschool Funding?

The Start Strong Preschool Funding Program by the New South Wales Government helps families access quality early education for their children, providing them with a strong foundation for success in school and beyond.

In 2024, for the first time, there will be $500 per child of fee relief for 3 year old children attending eligible Preschool Programs in Long Day Care. This builds on existing fee relief delivered through Start Strong Preschool Funding of up to $2,110 per child for 4 and 5 year olds.

Start Strong Preschool Funding FAQs

The Start Strong Preschool Funding Program is a New South Wales Government initiative to help make Preschool more affordable, reducing the stress for families across New South Wales.

The new Start Strong Preschool Funding Program commenced in January 2024 and continue throughout 2024. 

Yes, Petit ELJ Coffs Harbour is participating.

For eligible children aged 4 and 5, the Start Strong Preschool Funding payment is $2,110 per child with a minimum 2 day booking per week on average (600+ hours of care). This equates to $40.57 per week. If less than a 2 day booking per week, you will eligible for 67% of the funding.

For eligible children aged 3, the Start Strong Preschool Funding payment will be $500 per child. 

New South Wales children who are 3 years old on or before 31 July 2024 can receive funding at one service.

Children can only receive Start Strong Preschool Funding at one service. If a child attends more than once service, the family must nominate which service they will receive their funded Preschool Program and therefore their Start Strong Preschool Funding.

If your child is in Preschool and moves from one service to Petit ELJ the Start Strong Preschool Funding will move with your child, with the regular payments made to us for the rest of the year (or the duration that your child remains with us).

Start Strong Preschool Funding payments are made by the New South Wales Government to Petit ELJ, not to families. We will directly offset the Start Strong Preschool Funding payment from your weekly fees and you will be able to see the offset amount on your statement. 

To maximise the financial benefit for families, the Start Strong Preschool Funding offset to fees will be applied after CCS has been applied.

More information on payments and eligibility criteria can be found on the NSW Government Start Strong Funding webpage.