Start Strong Fee Relief: Extra Funding Support for Families Preparing for School

Choosing quality early education for your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make but we understand that the cost of care is often a real concern. That's why we want to make sure every family enrolled in long day care knows about the Start Strong fee relief funding available through the NSW Department of Education. This initiative is designed to ease financial pressure for eligible families and support a smoother transition to school for children in their final year before kindergarten.

What Is Start Strong Fee Relief Funding?

Start Strong is a NSW Government initiative that provides funding to eligible early childhood education services, helping to reduce the cost of care for families. One part of this program, Start Strong for Families, offers extra funding specifically aimed at supporting children in the year before they start school. The goal is simple: to make sure cost isn't a barrier to accessing quality early learning during this crucial developmental stage, and to give children the best possible foundation as they transition into their schooling years.

This funding is passed on directly to families through fee reductions at participating long day care services meaning eligible families can access real, ongoing savings without needing to navigate complex claims processes themselves.

For full details on eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and how the program works, we recommend visiting the official NSW Department of Education page:

👉 Start Strong for Families – NSW Department of Education

Who Is Eligible?

While specific eligibility requirements are outlined in detail on the NSW Department of Education's website, the funding is generally targeted at children in the year (or two years) before school who are attending an approved long day care service. Eligibility can depend on factors such as your child's age, the type of service they attend, and whether the service is an approved provider participating in the Start Strong program.

We understand that navigating government funding programs can feel confusing, especially while juggling the day-to-day demands of family life. That's why our team at Greentrees is here to help. If you're unsure whether your family qualifies, our administration staff can talk you through the details and help you understand what support might be available.

Why This Support Matters

The transition from early learning to formal schooling is a significant milestone for both children and families. In the year leading up to school, children are building foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, social interaction, and independence — all of which are strengthened through consistent attendance at a high-quality early learning program.

Fee relief funding like Start Strong helps remove financial barriers that might otherwise limit a family's ability to maintain that consistency. Regular attendance in the lead-up to school has been shown to support smoother transitions, better school readiness, and increased confidence for children as they move into the classroom environment.

For families balancing work, other children, and household budgets, this kind of childcare assistance can make a genuine difference allowing children to benefit from the routine, structure, and social experiences that quality long day care provides, without the added financial strain.

How Greentrees Supports Families Through the Process

As a participating provider, our centres are committed to making sure eligible families can access the childcare support available to them. Here's how we help:

• Clear communication. We keep families informed about funding opportunities as they become available, including updates to the Start Strong program.

• Guidance through enrolment. Our team can walk you through what documentation or information may be needed to confirm eligibility.

• Ongoing support. If your circumstances change, we're here to help you understand how that might affect your funding or fees.

• A focus on school readiness. Beyond the financial support, our programs are thoughtfully designed to build the skills and confidence your child needs for a positive start to school.

Making Quality Early Education More Accessible

At Greentrees, we believe every child deserves access to nurturing, high-quality early learning regardless of financial circumstances. Programs like Start Strong reflect a broader commitment across NSW to invest in early childhood education, recognising just how important these formative years are for a child's long-term development and wellbeing.

If your child is approaching their final year before school and you'd like to find out whether you're eligible for Start Strong fee relief funding, we encourage you to get in touch with our team. We're happy to answer questions, help with the enrolment process, and ensure your family has the information needed to make the most of the support available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Start Strong fee relief funding? 

Eligibility generally depends on your child's age (typically the year, or two years, before school), the type of service they attend, and whether that service is an approved Start Strong provider. For the most current criteria, visit the NSW Department of Education's Start Strong for Families page.

Do I need to apply for the funding myself? 

No separate application is usually required from families. The funding is provided to approved services, which then pass the savings on to eligible families through reduced fees. Our admin team can confirm exactly how this applies to your enrolment.

Is Greentrees a participating Start Strong provider? 

Yes, our centres participate in the Start Strong program, and our team can help confirm your child's eligibility and explain how the fee relief will be reflected in your care costs.

Will this funding cover all of my child care fees? 

Start Strong fee relief reduces the cost of care but isn't designed to cover fees in full. The exact amount of support depends on your child's eligibility and the funding guidelines set by the NSW Department of Education.

What if my child is younger than the eligible age? 

Start Strong for Families is targeted at children in the lead-up to school. If your child doesn't currently qualify, our team can still discuss other fee support options or let you know when your child becomes eligible.

Want to learn more about fee relief and enrolment at Greentrees? 

Contact us today our friendly team is ready to help your family start strong.