Parents of preschoolers across the Hunter will have something else to celebrate when kids go back to school later this month, after news they’ll be receiving a $500 discount on fees. 

The savings are set to benefit an additional 64,000 families in NSW. 

The discounts form part of a two-year trial for families of three-year-old children in long day care. 

It’s part of the NSW Government’s $100 million plan to make early childhood education and care more affordable, easing the cost-of-living pressures on households. 

From 1 Januar,y families can apply for the discount at an eligible centre. 

The savings are in addition to the Australian Government Childcare Subsidy (CCS) payments, with families required to complete a declaration form before receiving savings on a weekly basis. 

“More affordable preschool is a win-win for families across the state, as it helps ease the cost of living while also making it easier to earn a household income,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns. 
 
“This will mean more children can access early childhood education, where they will also benefit from health and education initiatives that will provide them with the best start to their learning life no matter their post code or background. 

“Research tells us that participation of 600 hours of quality ECEC in the two years before school has life-long benefits for children and supports them to be socially, emotionally and cognitively equipped as they transition to school.” 

From 1 January, all NSW families could be eligible for:  

• Up to $500 per year in fee relief for three-year-olds attending eligible preschool programs in long day care on top of their CCS payment. 
• Up to $2110 per year in fee relief for children aged four years old and above attending eligible preschool programs in long day care on top of their CCS payment. 
• Up to $4220 per year for three to five-year-olds attending eligible community and mobile preschools. 
• Five days a fortnight of affordable preschool fee relief for all children in NSW Department of Education preschools. 

For more information on the Start Strong Program Guidelines visit the NSW Department of Education website. 

For more on this topic:

• Early childhood workers awaiting $12m pay rise
• Fee relief, longer opening hours
• Cost of Living hurting children’s education

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