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Start Strong funding in NSW — What Parents Need to Know

Start Strong is a NSW Government initiative that helps families access high-quality early childhood education for their 3-5 year-old children at a reduced cost. The program ensures more children can benefit from early learning that builds confidence, social skills and school readiness in the years before school.

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What Is Start Strong?

Start Strong funding is NSW Government financial support from the Department of Education for:

  • Preschool programs for 3-year-olds

  • Preschool programs for 4 and 5-year-olds (in the year before school)

This funding is available at participating early learning services that deliver approved preschool programs within long day care, such as Paisley Park’s School Preparation Program.

There’s no need to apply directly. The funding is managed for you once your child is enrolled and eligibility is confirmed.

Who is Eligible?

Start Strong funding is available to families whose children are:

  • Aged 3–5 years
  • Attending an approved early childhood education service in NSW
  • Enrolled in an approved school readiness program such as Paisley Park's

In most cases:

  • You do not need to submit a separate funding application

  • Funding can be accessed regardless of CCS eligibility

  • Funding can only be claimed at one service at a time

  • Start Strong funding is in addition to Childcare Subsidy (CCS) Funding

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How Much Start Strong Funding Can You Get?

If your child is eligible, funding levels vary depending on:

  • Your child’s age

  • Whether they are in the year before school

  • The number of days/hours they attend

When enrolled in an approved program in a long day care service such as Paisley Park’s School Preparation Program, Start Strong funding is applied as a fee offset, reducing your overall childcare costs.

You’ll see this clearly on your statement as a Start Strong fee reduction — there’s nothing to claim back later.

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3 Steps to Happier, Healthier, Confident Children

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1. Make an Enquiry

Get in touch with our Enrolments Manager Jo to talk about your childcare options.

Get answers to all your questions and find out everything you want to know about your nearest Paisley Park Early Learning Centre.

2. Book a Tour

Take a personal tour with our Centre Director to see the centre for yourself.

Come and meet the team and get a sense of how things run and how the children interact with each other and their Educators.

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3. Enrol Your Child

Once you’ve decided that Paisley Park is the right choice for your family, you’re ready to enrol.

At some centres there is a waitlist and we’ll add you to our priority list for when a place becomes available.

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