What is preschool?
Preschool is the two years before formal schooling starts.
When children can take part in play based, structured learning before they start school, they can build the skills they need to support lifelong learning.
The NSW Government is investing in the early years with the Start Strong Program for both Community Preschools and Long Day Care.
The Start Strong program helps families save up to $2,174 a child for eligible children aged four and above. For children aged three and above, they can save up to $515 a year.
Why choose Goodstart?
It can be difficult to find the right preschool environment for your child. Somewhere nurturing enough, but where they’ll learn the skills they need to start school. You also need to consider somewhere that fits the hours that you need care.
At Goodstart, you can get the best of both worlds. We offer play-based learning that follows the Australian Early Years Learning Framework. Our preschool classes are supervised by a university educated teachers to help your child learn the communication, social and educational skills they’ll need for big school.
We also provide flexibility and convenience for busy families by providing preschool programs in a long day care (LDC) format.
Here we answer some common questions about how the Goodstart program works and how our preschool program can benefit your child, you and your family.
Learn more about preschool funding in New South Wales
Preschool in New South Wales
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- In NSW, preschool families can get a reduction in their fees thanks to the Start Strong program.
- For the 4 year old program, you can save $2,174 a year. Children must be 4 years old on or before 31st July that year.
- For the 3YO program, you can save up to $515 a year. Children must be 3 years old and not yet 4 years old by 31st July that year.
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The Start Strong funding will be allocated to families as a flat rate across the year to reduce your fees. This preschool funding is available for everyone, even if you don’t receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
If you receive CCS, the funding will be applied after CCS, to further reduce your out-of-pocket fees.
You can use your CCS to help pay for the gap on those two days and any other days of care your child attends.
Eligible preschool-age children can enrol anytime during that calendar year and receive pro rata funding. 
To get the Start Strong funding, simply sign the parental consent form confirming your child is accessing their funded Preschool program at Goodstart.
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Preschool is usually for children aged three until five or the two years before school starts. All children in New South Wales have access to 600 hours of quality preschool education before school.
In NSW, kids can start kindergarten (the first year of school) if they turn 5 on or before 31 July of that year. By law, they must be enrolled in school before they turn 6.
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Our NSW preschool programs are designed and delivered by bachelor-qualified early childhood teachers (ECT) to prepare your child for school. Our program follows the  Australian Early Years Learning Framework, or EYLF. The EYLF is play-based and supports children to grow the following skills to help them transition to school: 
- Build social skills, like making friends and respecting others. 
- Develop cognitive, physical and social skills. 
- Practice early literacy and numeracy skills. 
- Manage emotional regulation and naming how they feel. 
- Improve communication skills, like saying what they need without getting frustrated. 
It's easy to see play-based learning as 'just having fun' but it's not 'just playing'. Children learn through play.
You can read more about what they learn in preschool.
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Our centres offer longer hours and more flexible options than many other preschools, including 9 hour, 10 hour and all-day sessions.
Not only that, but we also know not all families have the same routine, so our programs are on offer five days a week, 52 weeks a year.
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We support your child at every stage of their development, gently tracking their growth as they prepare for school. By tuning into their interests, we build strong connections that help them feel seen, heard, and understood.
When extra support is needed, whether it’s educational or behavioural, we’re here to provide it. We celebrate each child for who they are and respond to their unique needs so they can thrive in their own way.
If needed, we also help families to access support services in the areas of:
- speech and language
- behaviour
- social skills 
- general development
If you're concerned about any aspect of your child’s development or learning, please speak to your child’s teacher.
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It’s important that your child has the social and emotional skills to start kindergarten confidently. Our centres keep in touch with teachers at local primary schools, families and communities to help support your child's readiness for school.
Through NSW’s Transition to School Statements, we help your child’s new school teacher understand everything they need to know about your child.
We also run school transition activities during the preschool year to help your child feel comfortable on their first day of school. We want all children to have a smooth and supportive start for their education journey.
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Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Every child deserves to feel valued and recognised for their unique qualities. We ensure our centres are inviting to all children and their families. Our commitment to reconciliation and inclusion means we build strong support networks and communities with you and your children.
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