New South Wales – “Start Strong” program

In Australia, sessional preschools are usually operated by local government, religious organisations, schools, private organisations or the community. They usually run during school term and school hours, meaning the program runs for 40 weeks per year, with most sessions finishing up around 2 pm, over 2-3 days per week.

Funding and fees for sessional preschool programs may vary, and meals are not covered. Age requirements still apply depending on the state or territory you are in.

The preschool program is also offered in long day care centres. Most long day care centres are open from 7:00 AM. to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday with flexible drop-off/pick-up times to better accommodate busy working families. Long day care centres run 52 weeks per year, meaning your child would not miss out on valuable learning opportunities during school holidays.

Nutritional meals and snacks are covered in long day care centres, so you don’t have to worry about packing lunches.

Child Care Subsidy applies when your child attends the preschool programs offered in long day care services. NSW’s funding options for preschool can be combined with your Child Care Subsidy savings, making preschool more affordable for your family.

Essentially, there is no difference between the curriculums adopted by long day care and sessional preschool providers. They are both run by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, and they all align with Early Years Learning Framework, focusing on supporting individual children’s development, interests and needs through play-based and intentional learning experiences.

If your child is already settled at a long day care centre, they have the opportunity to stay in a familiar environment, transitioning together with their friends.

An annual Government fee relief payment of up to $2174 is available to 4-year-old children who attend an eligible early childhood education program at an approved New South Wales G8 Education centre. To be eligible, the child must be 4 years old by 31 July in the relevant enrolment year and have nominated a G8 Education eligible centre for the enrolment year. Families with children who are 3 years old and not yet 4 years old on or before 31 July in 2025 (the child’s birthdate must be on, or between, 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022), and who are enrolled at our Centre can save up to $515 in 2025. The pro-rated payment is applied monthly (March – December) to a child’s fees after any CCS has been applied. Children that discontinue in the program or commence after March in the relevant year will be allocated a pro-rated subsidy based on their departure or commencement date.

Each day children enrolled in our preschool rooms can participate in the preschool program across the day. All our centres are long day care which means your child can enjoy our engaging learning environments during our extended opening hours every day of the week.

All of our preschool programs run every day of the week. This means families have the flexibility for their child to receive the highest quality learning experiences on days that best support them.

Our preschool program follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), a national learning framework for Australia. The program is developed by qualified and passionate Early Childhood Educators and Teachers. Our curriculum accommodates each individual child’s learning, development, and well-being.

Preschool provides a unique time for children to further develop their positive dispositions to learning, oral language skills, and social/emotional and physical capabilities.

To learn more about the wonderful learning opportunities at the centre of your choice, reach out to the Centre Manager at your local centre.