Start Strong Program

In 2024, families can access fee relief for preschool-aged children through the Start Strong program. Families may save up to $2,110 a year for eligible children aged 4 and above and up to $500 a year for children aged 3 in eligible long day cares in 2024.

Eligibility

If your child turns 4 years old on or before 31 July 2024 and is enrolled in a preschool program at an eligible long day care service, you will receive up to $2,110 in fee relief.

If your child is 3 years old and not yet 4 years old on, or before 31 July in 2024 and is enrolled at an eligible long day care service, you will receive up to $500 in fee relief.

How will it work?

The fee relief will be applied to your family’s account as a weekly credit.

You can break this down to a $40.58 per week ($2110/52 weeks) for 4 year olds and $9.62 per week ($500/52 weeks) for 3 year olds.

How do I access the fee relief?

Families are required to complete a declaration form to nominate the long daycare centre they would like to receive fee relief from. You can only receive this fee relief at one centre at a time. This is confirmed by the completion of the declaration form.

Please contact our Family Relations Team on 02 8362 3000 to receive the fee relief declaration form.

Are families eligible for the Commonwealth Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and the fee relief?

Yes. The fee relief will have no impact on the amount of Child Care Subsidy families receive. You will still need to pay any gap fees remaining after the Child Care Subsidy and fee relief have been applied.

Are Non-residents eligible for the start strong fee relief?

Yes, all NSW families are eligible. The Fee relief is not means tested and there are no residency or visa requirements.

What happens if my child is sick and does not attend the service for the day?

The fee relief is linked to enrolment not attendance. If your child is sick and does not attend on one of their enrolled days, your weekly fee relief amount does not change.

My child will leave the centre during the year. What will happen to the remaining fee relief?

If a child leaves our service part way through the year, they will only receive the prorate valued up until that time.