Yes, preschool is largely free or heavily subsidised in NSW through the government's Start Strong Program, aiming to provide 15 hours of free preschool weekly for 3 and 4-year-olds at eligible community, mobile, and some long day care centres, though exact costs can vary by service and eligibility for extra support.
NSW preschool fees vary significantly, with public preschools aiming for fee-free education for the year before school under the Start Strong program, offering significant subsidies (e.g., $2,174/year for 4-year-olds) that can make the first two days very cheap or free, while private/long day care options have daily rates (around $110-$170+) but also receive funding, reducing gap fees, with extra relief for low-income families or specific needs.
Families with children who are at least 3 years old on or before 31 July 2025, and who are enrolled at an eligible community preschool (Service) may save up to $4,347 in 2025. This fee relief is provided through the NSW Government's Start Strong for Community Preschools program.
Yes, kindergarten (the preschool year before school) is largely free or heavily subsidised in NSW through the Start Strong program, aiming to provide free early childhood education for all children in the years before school, with significant funding for both 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds at participating public and long day care services. While public preschools cannot charge fees, families at other approved services need to sign a declaration form to receive the funding, which significantly reduces costs, often making it free or very low-cost.
In NSW, children must be 3 years old on or before July 31st to be eligible for the 3-year-old preschool program and 4 years old on or before July 31st to be eligible for the 4-year-old preschool program.
To receive the NSW Government Start Strong fee relief, your child must be 4 years old on or before 31 July 2025 to attend 4-year-old preschool. For 3-year-old preschool, your child must turn 3 on or before 31 July 2025 and be enrolled in a preschool program.
Yes, every child in Australia is entitled to a year of free or heavily subsidised preschool/kindergarten the year before they start school, with programs like NSW's "Start Strong" and Victoria's "Free Kinder" providing up to 15-30 hours per week, though availability and exact hours can vary by state and provider (e.g., long day care vs. sessional).
Your Child's Age and Development
Preschool is likely the right choice. 4–5 years old and heading to kindergarten soon? Pre-K will give them the skills and confidence they need.
In New South Wales, kindergarten refers to the first year of primary school and preschool refers to the year before they start school. The New South Wales government funds preschool education through the “Start Strong” program.
In Australia, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) income thresholds for 2025-26 offer 90% for incomes up to $85,279, with the subsidy decreasing by 1% for every $5,000 over that amount, reaching 0% for incomes of $535,279 or more. Higher rates (up to 95%) were available for families with multiple children under 6 in care, though the primary mechanism is this tiered income system, with claims made via myGov/Centrelink.
Every CCS-eligible family gets 72 hours/fortnight subsidised (approx. 3 days per week) from Jan 2026, no activity test required. No more 0 or 1 day limits – everyone is guaranteed three subsidised days of care.
Key Takeaways
Look for signs of social and emotional readiness: A child is ready for preschool when they can handle short separations, show interest in other kids, and follow simple directions, not just when they reach a certain age.
Deciding between starting school at 5 or 6 depends on your child's individual development, social-emotional readiness, and local laws, with many experts suggesting waiting until age 6 can benefit less mature children (especially boys) by giving them more time to develop maturity, independence, and social skills, though the advantages may fade by high school, while others thrive starting at 5 if they're ready, with discussions with teachers and professionals being key.
While the ideal age for preschool typically falls between 3 and 5 years old, the exact age can vary depending on your child's development and what state you live in. While age is important, it's more about whether your child is ready emotionally, socially, and academically for the structure and routine of preschool.
children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July that year. by law, all children must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.
The "3-3-3 Rule" for kids is a simple mindfulness technique to manage anxiety by grounding them in the present moment: first, name three things they can see; next, identify three sounds they hear; and finally, move three different parts of their body. This engages their senses, shifts focus from worries, and helps them regain control when feeling overwhelmed, like during test anxiety or social situations.
Around age 3: Kids may recognize about half the letters in the alphabet and start to connect letters to their sounds. (Like s makes the /s/ sound.) Around age 4: Kids often know all the letters of the alphabet and their correct order. Around kindergarten: Most kids can match each letter to the sound it makes.
Preschool programs are usually for children aged 3 to 5 years, or the 2 years before they start primary school. They support children's learning and development through play-based activities and help your child to become more independent, make new friends and get ready to start school.
In NSW, children are eligible for free preschool under the Start Strong program if they are at least 3 years old (turning 3 by July 31st of the year) and not yet in compulsory schooling, attending an approved early childhood program, with families completing a declaration form. Eligibility for the maximum funding (up to 600 hours/year) is universal for eligible ages, with higher relief available for children from low-income families, Aboriginal children, or those with disabilities, regardless of citizenship.
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main government payment available to families to help with the cost of childcare. This payment is made directly to your childcare provider, meaning you benefit from lower childcare fees. To receive the CCS, you must meet the eligibility requirements.
Participation in preschool is not compulsory and is influenced by parental preference and other factors, such as school starting age in the particular jurisdiction.
Every child can get a year of free or subsidised preschool or kindergarten. This must be the year before they start school.
Australia has public (government-funded) and private preschools and kindergartens. Public facilities are free or subsidised for eligible children. Private ones may charge around $50 a day.
Every child is different, but there are a few signs that might suggest your child is ready to go to nursery. These include: Showing interest in other children – this might be in playgroups or while out and about. They're curious – If they're always exploring, asking questions or imitating the behaviour of grown-ups.