The Start Strong for Community Preschools program's objective is to improve the affordability, quality, and accessibility of preschool education for children in the years before school.

The program funds providers of community and mobile preschools to reduce fees, support quality uplift, incentivise increased enrolment and attendance, and drive improved outcomes for children.

The program operates on a calendar year, from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.

Funding is designed to support quality uplift in preschool education and drive outcomes for children aged 3-5 in the developmentally significant years before school. Funding objectives are closely linked with ensuring equitable access for eligible children:

• Children from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background
• Children from low-income families
• Children with disability and/or additional needs
• Children attending services in SEIFA Decile 1 and 2 areas
• Children living in regional or remote areas of NSW
• Children with English language needs
• Children who are at risk of significant harm (from a child protection perspective).

• Phone: 1800 619 113
• Email: ecec.funding@det.nsw.edu.au