Childcare fees can vary for every family because each household’s circumstances are different. Factors such as the number of children enrolled, the days and hours of care required, age of the child and immigration status can all affect the level of fee relief or subsidies a family may be eligible for. This means that every family’s out-of-pocket fees will be different. We are here to guide you through your options and provide a clear, personalised estimate based on your individual situation.
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government payment that helps families with the cost of childcare. It reduces your out-of-pocket fees, making early learning more affordable for Australian families.
CCS is paid directly to our service and then deducted from your weekly fees — so you only pay the remaining gap fee.
The government uses your combined family income to determine the subsidy percentage you are eligible for. Lower-income families receive a higher subsidy, while higher-income families receive a lower percentage.
To be eligible for CCS, you must have one of the following:
More information can be found on the Services Australia CCS page
Start Strong Funding is an initiative designed to help reduce the cost of early childhood education and make quality care more accessible for families. With Start Strong support, eligible families receive financial assistance which helps lower the fees for their children’s early learning and care. This funding helps ensure that all children have the opportunity to benefit from a nurturing, developmentally appropriate early learning environment, regardless of their family’s financial situation or immigration status.
| Age Category | Child’s Age Cut-Off | Funding Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Year-Old Preschool Funding | Child turns 3 on or before 31 July 2025 | An annual amount of $515, equating to roughly $9.90 in fee relief each week. |
| 4-Year-Old (Year Before School) Funding | Child turns 4 on or before 31 July 2025 | An annual amount of $2,174, equating to roughly $41.80 in fee relief each week. |
| Older Children (5–6 years) | Children who are 5 or turning 6 are eligible if they have an approved exemption from compulsory schooling. | An annual amount of $2,174, equating to roughly $41.80 in fee relief each week. |
More information can be found on the NSW Department of Education website.
We understand that childcare funding and fee relief can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different types of support available. Our team is here to make the process simple and stress-free. We’ll guide you through each step, help you understand what your family may be eligible for, and ensure everything is set up correctly. If you’d like to talk through your options in person, we’d love to invite you for a tour of the centre—it’s a great opportunity to ask questions, learn more about our programs, and see how we can best support your family.
