As families seek quality early childhood education for their little ones, government-funded preschool options have become a vital resource in Australia. These programs help ease the financial burden on families while ensuring children have access to the foundational learning they need. In this blog post, we’ll explore what government-funded preschools are, the eligibility requirements for assistance, and how to find one in your area..
What Are Government-Funded Preschools?
Government-funded preschools in Australia aim to provide affordable, high-quality early education to children, typically for those in their preschool year before starting school. This program helps families by offering funding to preschools that reduces the cost of education and care for children.
The Child Care Subsidy: What You Need to Know
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a financial assistance program designed to make early learning and childcare more affordable for Australian families. The subsidy is paid directly to your approved childcare provider to reduce the amount of fees you need to pay. This ensures that early education remains accessible regardless of your financial situation.
How Does the Child Care Subsidy Work?
The CCS works by reducing the fees families pay for childcare. Families will pay the gap fee, which is the difference between the full fee charged by the provider and the subsidised amount.
The exact amount of subsidy you can receive is determined by several factors, including:
- Your family’s income
- The activity level of parents (how much work or study is being done by the parents)
- The type of care you choose (e.g., preschool, daycare)
To find out how much subsidy your family could receive, you can use the CCS Calculator available at StartingBlocks.gov.au. This tool allows families to estimate their childcare payments based on their unique circumstances.
Activity Test: How It Affects Subsidy Eligibility
The amount of subsidised care you can access depends largely on the activity test, which looks at how much work, study, or volunteering parents are doing. The higher the activity level, the more hours of subsidised care a family can access, with a maximum of 100. hours per fortnight..
It’s important to note that families with higher activity levels will receive more hours of subsidised care. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can complete the activity test online to see how much support you can access.
Additional Child Care Subsidy: Extra Support for Families
For families facing additional challenges, there’s the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS). This is an extra financial support program for families who meet certain criteria, including:
- Grandparents who are primary carers
- Families transitioning to work
- Families experiencing temporary financial hardship
If you qualify for the ACCS, it will be paid on top of the standard Child Care Subsidy to further reduce your childcare costs.
How to Find Government-Funded Preschools Near You
Finding a government-funded preschool is easy! You can begin by looking for childcare centres in your area that are approved for the Childcare Subsidy. These centres receive funding that helps reduce costs for families. Here’s how you can find one:
- Visit the Government Websites – The Australian government website and StartingBlocks.gov.au have directories of childcare providers, including those that offer preschool education under government funding.
- Use the Child Care Finder Tool – This tool allows you to search for childcare providers near you and filter by various criteria, including government funding and whether they participate in programs like Start Strong.
- Contact the Centre Directly – Once you’ve found a long day care, get in touch with them to enquire about funding options, availability, and eligibility criteria for your family.
How to Apply for the Child Care Subsidy
To apply for the Child Care Subsidy, follow these steps:
- Create a myGov Account – If you haven’t already, create a myGov account and link it to the Centrelink online services.
- Submit Your Application – Complete the online application for the CCS through your myGov account. This will include providing your family’s income details, your activity levels, and information about the childcare provider.
- Wait for Approval – After submitting, Services Australia will assess your application and let you know how much subsidy you are eligible for.
Start Strong Funding
In 2025, families can access fee relief for preschool-aged children through the Start Strong program. Families may save up to $2,174 a year for eligible children aged 4 and above and up to $515 a year for children aged 3 in eligible long day cares in 2025. This funding is in addition to the Childcare Subsidy.
Families do not need to be entitled to the childcare subsidy in order to receive the Start Strong Funding.
This means non-residents are also eligible for the Start Strong funding.
Why Choose Active Kids Group?
Active Kids Group offers high-quality early childhood education programs that align with the EYLF, ensuring that children receive the best start to their educational journey. With multiple locations across Sydney, they provide nurturing environments where children can thrive. Their experienced educators focus on play-based learning, social development, and school readiness. We also work with families to help navigate government-funded programs like the Child Care Subsidy and Start Strong funding, maximizing the support available to you.
Book a Tour Today!
Take the next step in your child’s educational journey by booking a tour of one of our centres. Call our Family Relations Team at 02 8362 3000 or book a tour directly through our website.
Discover firsthand how Active Kids Group can make a positive impact on your child’s early learning experience while providing the financial support available through government programs. With Active Kids Group, you can rest easy knowing your child is receiving the best possible care and early education, setting them up for future success.