Universal Preschool
The NSW Department of Education is working to deliver universal preschool across NSW by 2030.
- They are building 100 new public preschools on public primary school sites by 2027, pending building and regulatory approvals.
- They will invest $60m in 50 new and expanded preschools at non-government schools in high-needs areas.
- It’s part of the biggest investment in preschools in NSW history, supporting more children and families to have a positive start to kindergarten.
Visit the Department of Education website for more information on Universal Preschool.
Flexible Initiatives Trial
The Flexible Initiatives Trial program will:
- Make grants from a total pool of $20 million to all types of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) service providers in 2 rounds over 2 years from 2023-2025
- Empower early childhood education and care providers to better cater for the needs of local families
- Increase the availability of places for children in NSW where and when they are needed most.
Visit the Department of Education website for more information on the Flexible Initiatives Trial.
Early Childhood Education and Care workforce
The NSW Government has invested $28.5 million over five years to help boost childcare opportunities, address workforce shortages and support business capability in the early childhood education and care sector.
This includes:
- $9 million in scholarships for ECEC professionals to upskill to a diploma or degree
- $10 million for professional development to reduce burnout and workforce attrition
- $3 million for ECEC research to investigate delivery models and strengthen the workforce pipeline
- up to $6.5 million for leadership, management and financial capability development in ECEC.
Visit the NSW Government website for more information on the ECEC workforce opportunities.
Early Childhood Education and Care scholarships
The NSW Department of Education is committed to developing a highly qualified and sustainable ECEC workforce.
The NSW Government has invested over $12 million in the 2023–24 scholarships program, to help reduce the financial burden of study for a wide range of early learning and outside of school hours care professionals.
See the NSW Education website for current information on scholarships.
Start Strong
The Start Strong Program for both Community Preschools and Long Day Care supports preschool education for all children in NSW.
It’s also the program through which the Preschool Reform Agreement and preschool fee-relief is delivered.
Find out more about Start Strong on the NSW Education website.
$500 fee relief
Start Strong for Long Day Care directly supports quality preschool delivery across NSW.
- This funding is designed to make early childhood education more affordable for families.
- There is an additional $500 fee relief for 3-year-olds attending eligible preschool programs in long daycare centres.
More information can be found on the NSW Education website.