Start Strong funding: how much you could get back on childcare fees in 2026
If you’ve got a three or four year old in long day care, there’s a good chance you’re leaving money on the table. Start Strong is a NSW Government program that reduces childcare fees for eligible families, and it’s separate from the Child Care Subsidy most parents already know about. The two work together. Neither replaces the other.
Here’s what it actually means for families at Best Start ELC.
What Start Strong is
Start Strong is run by the NSW Department of Education. It funds two types of services: community preschools and long day care centres. Best Start ELC sits in the long day care stream, so that’s the funding that applies to families enrolled with us.
The program pays part of your fees directly to the centre, and the centre passes that saving on to you as a fee reduction. It’s not a rebate that lands in your bank account. It shows up as a lower bill.
What it’s worth in 2026
For children in long day care, the current rates are:
- Four year olds, standard rate: up to $1,783 a year
- Four year olds, maximum eligibility: up to $2,563 a year
- Three year olds, standard rate: up to $423 a year
- Three year olds, maximum eligibility: up to $769 a year
The “maximum eligibility” rate applies to children who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, from families holding a government concession card, living with a disability, or based in a regional, remote, or recognised disadvantaged area. Every other eligible family gets the standard rate.
How it stacks with the Child Care Subsidy
Start Strong and the Child Care Subsidy are two separate programs. You can receive both at the same time, and most families do. The Child Care Subsidy is federal and income-tested. Start Strong is a NSW state program on top of it.
How to actually get it
You don’t need to apply through a government portal. You complete a fee relief declaration form and nominate Best Start ELC as your service. We apply the reduction to your fees from there. If you haven’t lodged this form yet, you’re likely paying more than you need to.
If you’re not sure whether you’re on the standard or maximum rate, or you haven’t submitted your declaration form, ask our team. It takes a few minutes to sort out and the saving applies for as long as your child is enrolled and eligible.
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Rates current as of September 2026 per NSW Department of Education guidelines. Individual eligibility and amounts vary — confirm your rate with your centre.