Kindergarten and Preschool

Research has proven that a healthy self-esteem in the younger years will provide a positive effect on how well a child will adapt to school, form successful relationships with others and develop general life skills.

In New South Wales, the Start Strong Funding program complements the CCS by offering targeted fee relief for families with preschool-aged children (typically ages 3–5). This state government support helps make up to 600 hours of preschool education more affordable by reducing the gap fee families pay after the CCS has been applied.

In Queensland, families benefit from the state’s Queensland Kindergarten Funding package, which includes Free Kindy — subsidised access to 15 hours per week (up to 600 hours per year) of approved kindergarten programs for eligible children in the year before school. This funding is designed to support early learning and school readiness, and sits alongside the national CCS to further lower family fees.

Together, these Commonwealth and state subsidies work to support families across both states by reducing costs, encouraging participation in high-quality early learning, and giving children a strong foundation for lifelong learning.