Pre-School in New South Wales
In New South Wales (NSW), preschool is a two-year educational program for children in the year before they start kindergarten (primary education). Pre-school typically caters for children aged 3 to 5 years, and focuses on play-based learning that supports their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Attending pre-school helps children build foundational skills such as communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and confidence. These skills are essential for a successful transition into formal schooling, especially as they prepare for Kindergarten, which is the first year of primary school in NSW.
By attending preschool, children become familiar with structured routines, group settings, and early literacy and numeracy concepts, making the move into Kindergarten smoother and more positive. It also provides a chance for educators and families to identify and support any learning or developmental needs early on.
Start Strong Government Funding
The Start Strong Program is an initiative from the NSW Government that funds eligible early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, including community preschools and long daycare, like ours at Aspire Early Education.
The program aims to make pre-school more affordable and accessible for families with pre-school aged children by providing fee relief. For 2025, families can save up to $2,174 annually for eligible four-year-olds and up to $515 for eligible three-year-olds. This is delivered on top of the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Aspire Early Education Googong will be eligible for this funding once the centre is open, and we will notify families once this is in place.
NSW Government Funding
Pre-School Age in New South Wales
In NSW, pre-school is for children aged three until five or the two years before formal schooling starts. Most children who go to pre-school are 4 or 5 years old, but some pre-schools, such as those in long daycare settings, also have programs for 3-year-olds.
In NSW, children must be 3 years old on or before July 31st to be eligible for the 3-year-old preschool program and 4 years old on or before July 31st to be eligible for the 4-year-old preschool program.
Research has shown that 2 years of preschool helps children prepare for school, with better literacy, emotional and social skills. At Aspire Early Education, we offer both 3-year and 4-year-old pre-school programs, to enhance your child’s full potential and give them the best possible start in life.
Aspire’s Pre-School Programs
3-Year-Old Early Learning Program:
Nurturing Curiosity and Confidence
At Aspire Early Education, our 3-year-old early learning program is thoughtfully designed to support your child's early development in a nurturing and engaging environment. Our program focuses on fostering:
- Social and Emotional Well-being: We prioritise building secure attachments between educators and children, creating a safe space where your child feels seen, valued, and confident to explore.
- Communication and Language Skills: Through interactive storytime sessions, songs, and conversations, we enhance early literacy and encourage expressive language development.
- Independence and Self-Help Skills: Our play-based approach allows children to develop autonomy, from managing personal belongings to making choices during activities.
- Cognitive and Physical Development: Engaging in activities that promote problem-solving, fine and gross motor skills, and creative expression lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Our educators collaborate closely with families to ensure a consistent and supportive experience, setting the stage for a seamless transition into 4-year-old pre-school.
4-Year-Old School Readiness Program
The 4-year-old school readiness program at Aspire Early Education is dedicated to preparing your child for the exciting journey into formal schooling. Our holistic curriculum emphasises:
- School Readiness: We introduce structured routines and collaborative projects that mirror school environments, helping children adapt to the expectations of kinder and primary education.
- Advanced Literacy and Numeracy: Through engaging activities, children develop foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, fostering a love for learning.
- Emotional Regulation and Social Skills: Our program supports children in understanding and managing emotions, developing empathy, and building meaningful relationships with peers.
- Critical Thinking and Creativity: By encouraging exploration and inquiry, we nurture problem-solving abilities and imaginative thinking.
We also partner with local schools to align our curriculum with their programs, ensuring that our children transition confidently and successfully into the next phase of their educational journey.
At Aspire Early Education, our commitment is to provide a comprehensive early learning experience that supports every aspect of your child's growth. We invite you to visit our centre and discover how our programs can benefit your child's development.
Learning Outcomes & Brain Development
90% of a child’s brain develops before age 5 — Through play-based learning, children build essential life skills and strengthen brain pathways across key areas such as:
Early literacy & numeracy
Sustainability & exploration
Numeracy & STEM skills
Cognitive development
Music & movement
Art & imagination
Dramatic play & storytelling
Social-emotional skills
The Aspire Difference
Long Daycare Setting
At Aspire, we understand that every family’s schedule is different — that’s why we offer the flexibility of extended long daycare pre-school sessions across 9, 10, 11, and 12-hour days. This allows your child to fully participate in both the Government-approved Pre-School Program and Aspire’s very own Enhanced Learning Program, all within the convenience of a long daycare setting.
Qualified Teachers
At Aspire, your child is guided by passionate, qualified early childhood teachers who are experts in delivering high-quality pre-school education. Our educators create engaging, age-appropriate experiences that align with each child’s learning style and developmental stage. With a deep understanding of early childhood development, our team nurtures confidence, independence, and a love of learning in every child — helping them thrive now and into the school years ahead.
Stimulating Environment
Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to spark imagination, exploration, and discovery. Children in our 3-year-old and 4-year-old pre-school programs, and long daycare programs enjoy rich learning environments filled with natural materials, literacy-rich zones, creative spaces, and outdoor play areas. Every corner of our centres encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and supports social connections — all in a space where children feel safe, valued, and inspired.
Evidence Based Learning
Aspire’s pre-school programs are grounded in leading research and best-practice educational approaches. We use evidence-based teaching strategies that support the development of early literacy, numeracy, communication, and emotional regulation. Our educators track each child’s learning journey, using data and observations to adapt experiences and ensure every child is supported to reach their full potential.
Personalised Approach
No two children are the same — and at Aspire, we celebrate that. Our educators build strong, trusting relationships with each child, tailoring our approach to meet their unique interests, learning style, and pace. Whether your child is a confident explorer or a quiet observer, we support their individual journey with warmth, care, and encouragement. This personalised attention lays the foundation for a strong sense of self and school readiness.
Connections with Primary Schools
Transitioning to school is a big milestone, and Aspire ensures your child is ready — emotionally, socially, and academically. We build connections with local primary schools and align our 4-year-old pre-school curriculum with school expectations. By mirroring routines and introducing foundational skills, we make the move to school feel natural and exciting. Aspire children begin school confident, capable, and ready to thrive.
NSW Pre-School Curriculum & ELYF
At Aspire, our pre-school programs are designed by our teaching teams and in collaboration with local schools to ensure a smooth transition from classroom to classroom. This approach ensures children develop the much needed social and emotional skills to transition into kindergarten
Our pre-school programs are also guided by the Australian Government’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This nationally approved curriculum supports children from birth to five years by focusing on three key learning outcomes: Belonging, Being, and Becoming. We embed the EYLF into every part of the day — from intentional teaching moments to spontaneous play. Children develop foundational skills in communication, emotional wellbeing, problem-solving, literacy, and numeracy, all through meaningful experiences led by trusted educators. With the EYLF as our guide, we ensure every child in our 3-year-old and 4-year-old pre-school, and long daycare pre-school is supported to thrive now and into the future.
Pre-School – NSW FAQ's
Is pre-school free or funded in NSW?
No, pre-school is not free in NSW. However, it is subsidised through the NSW Government's Start Strong program, which provides fee relief for families.
Families may save up to $2,174 a year for eligible children aged 4 and above and up to $515 a year for children aged 3 in eligible long day cares in 2025. Learn more about Start Strong Funding.
What age does my child start pre-school in NSW?
Children typically begin 3-year-old pre-school at age 3 and 4-year-old pre-school at age 4.
What is the cut-off date for pre-school in NSW?
In NSW, children must be 3 years old on or before July 31st to be eligible for the 3-year-old preschool program and 4 years old on or before July 31st to be eligible for the 4-year-old preschool program.
Should I delay pre-school if my child has a birthday close to the cut-off?
Delaying kindergarten for a child with a birthday close to the cut-off date is a common consideration for parents, and the decision depends on individual circumstances. While some children benefit from being older and more mature, others thrive when starting with their age group.
It may be important to consider some of these factors before making your decision:
- Child’s development and social skills
- Emotional maturity
- Level of confidence and independence
- Academic and extra-curricular performance
Consulting with educators and childcare professionals can provide valuable insights specific to your child's needs.
When does the pre-school year start in NSW?
Many long daycare centres in NSW, which offer early childhood education programs, operate year-round, providing care for 52 weeks of the year.
Public preschools follow the same term dates as NSW public schools, so the pre-school year would typically start in late January or early February.
At Aspire Early Education, we provide care all-year round so you can enrol in our pre-school program at any time you wish.
How many years does my child go to pre-school in NSW?
Most children attend two years — starting with 3-year-old pre-school, followed by 4-year-old pre-school.
Aspire offers a seamless two-year program to support your child’s development and school readiness.
How many days/hours should my child attend pre-school in NSW?
We offer flexible attendance options through our long daycare pre-school model. Many families choose between 2 to 5 days a week, depending on their needs.
Our Aspire centres operate for a minimum of 8 hours per day and offer 9, 10, 11, and 12-hour day sessions to provide flexibility for families. Our team is here to help you choose the right schedule for your child.
Is pre-school compulsory in NSW?
While pre-school is not compulsory, attending a quality early learning program is highly recommended. It helps children build essential social, emotional, and academic skills for a confident start to school.
Does my child need to be immunised to attend preschool in NSW?
NSW has a "No Jab, No Play" policy, which means that most childcare and preschool services require children to be fully vaccinated.
Pre-schools cannot enrol a child unless the parent provides documentation showing the child is fully vaccinated or has a medical reason not to be vaccinated.
What is the cost of pre-school in NSW?
Pre-school fees vary based on the number of days your child attends care, your centre’s daily fees, and your eligibility for Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Aspire is a CCS-approved provider, which means eligible families can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Check out our Aspire CCS Calculator, which provides an estimate of your childcare subsidy and calculates your out-of-pocket costs.
Can I claim Child Care Subsidy (CCS) on Aspire’s pre-school programs?
Yes! Aspire is a registered long daycare provider, which means eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to help cover the cost of our pre-school programs.
Can my child with additional needs attend pre-school?
Absolutely. Aspire welcomes children of all abilities. We work closely with families and specialists to provide inclusive support and tailored learning experiences for children with additional needs.
Do you offer tours or orientation before enrolment?
Yes! We offer personalised tours and orientation sessions to help your child and family feel comfortable and confident before starting. It’s a great way to meet our team, see our learning environments, and ask questions.
How do I enrol my child in pre-school at Aspire?
Enrolling is simple — you can book a tour, contact your local Aspire centre, or visit us in person. Our team will guide you through the enrolment process and answer any questions about kindergarten age, funding, or CCS.
Otherwise you can call the friendly enrolments team on 1800 978 429.
Do you offer meals and snacks during the day?
At Aspire, we offer breakfast, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea and cater these meals to each age group. All food is provided by the centre and prepared fresh each day on the premises by our qualified chef who prepares the children’s meals according to the nutritional needs of children as per the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.
Our approach caters to picky eaters, food preferences, and cultural diversity, ensuring every child’s needs are met.
What should my child bring to pre-school each day?
We recommend bringing a labelled bag with spare clothes, water bottle, and any comfort items your child may need. We provide nutritious meals, nappies (if needed), and all educational resources.
How do you keep families informed of their child's learning and development?
Aspire uses regular updates, learning journals, and our parent communication app Kinderm8 (Storypark) to keep families engaged in their child’s progress. Our educators provide insights into learning, development, wellbeing, and daily activities.
How do you support a smooth transition into pre-school?
At Aspire, we know that starting pre-school is a big step — for both children and families. That’s why we create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and supported from day one. Through flexible orientation sessions and secure attachments with our educators, children develop the confidence they need to explore, engage, and grow.
Our play-based programs focus on building independence, emotional regulation, and strong communication skills. We support early literacy through storytime, songs, and meaningful conversations, encouraging children to express themselves, ask questions, and develop a love for language. Our classrooms are also vibrant social spaces, where children make friendships, learn to collaborate, and feel a strong sense of belonging.
To support real school readiness, we actively partner with local schools to understand their expectations, routines, and transition programs. This allows us to tailor our 3-year-old and 4-year-old pre-school experiences to help children feel confident and capable when it’s time for the next big step. Aspire children leave with the tools they need — academically, socially, and emotionally — to thrive in the big world ahead.
What are your pre-school opening hours?
As a long daycare provider, Aspire offers extended hours to support busy families — typically from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Exact hours may vary by centre.
Do you follow a set curriculum?
Yes, Aspire follows the National Early Years Learning Framework, delivering a high-quality curriculum that supports development across literacy, numeracy, STEM, creativity, and social-emotional learning.
