Somewhere in Box Hill this week, a parent is watching their three-year-old pack a small bag without any help, zip it up and wait proudly at the front door. Moments like that quietly show that big school is closer than it used to feel, and they bring a gentle question about where your child will learn, play and grow in the years before it begins.
That question has a practical side too, because NSW is changing how preschool is funded from 1 January 2027. This guide sets out what the changes mean for families searching for a preschool in Box Hill.
What is Changing in NSW Preschool Funding in 2027?
Under the reforms announced by the NSW Government, funding arrangements are designed to be fairer, more consistent and more sustainable, with the stated aim that all families can access affordable, high quality early learning.
Two new programs carry most of the change. The Universal Preschool Funding program replaces Start Strong for Community Preschools, and the Fee Relief for Long Day Care program replaces Start Strong for Long Day Care. Funding already allocated to services for 2026 is not affected, so this year’s arrangements continue as planned.
How Do The Changes Affect Community Preschools?
Not-for-profit community preschools will receive funding intended to cover most of their operating costs, and three and four-year-olds will be funded at the same rate. The government says this opens the way for fee-free or low-cost preschool for both age groups.
Some services may still charge fees to provide extra resources. In those cases, families will pay no more than a service’s current rate, or a maximum of $20 per day for all other providers.
Priority groups will also be offered funding for a third preschool day, moving from two days a week to three.
How Do The Changes Affect Long Day Care Preschool Fees?
Long day care works differently. The NSW Government will increase fee relief for eligible preschool-aged children in 2027, and fee relief for three-year-olds continues. Alongside that, the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy remains the main source of support. It is paid to the centre and passed on to families as a lower out-of-pocket fee.
Fee relief now depends on a preschool program: from 2027, a long day care service qualifies only if it delivers one. That makes the preschool program for three to five-year-olds a key point of comparison when you visit centres, so ask who teaches it, how many days it runs and how it prepares children for school.
Program payments that long day care services receive will end in December 2026. Funding rates for the new fee relief will be released with the 2027 program guidelines, so no one can yet say exactly how fees will change at any given centre.
What Do The Changes Look Like For Real Families?
Picture a family with a three-year-old who starts two days a week in 2027. They do not need to wait for a fourth birthday to ask about support, because three-year-olds are included in the new fee relief. The family should still confirm eligibility details when they enrol.
Another parent is comparing two centres near home. Both quote a daily fee, but only one has confirmed that it will run a preschool program in 2027. Asking each centre for a written estimate that shows the fee after the Child Care Subsidy and NSW fee relief makes the comparison fair.
What Support Is Available For Children Who Need Extra Help?
Children who need extra support are covered by a reformed Disability and Inclusion Program for not-for-profit and mobile preschools from 2027, with maximum support rising by up to 25% for some children. Early learning services approved for the Child Care Subsidy can access the Australian Government’s Inclusion Support Program, so ask each centre how it plans for inclusion.
What Should Box Hill Parents Ask Before Enrolling?
Before you commit to a centre, put these questions to each one:
- Fee Changes: How and when will the centre update its fees once the 2027 rates are known?
- Fee Relief Paperwork: Under current rules, you nominate one service to receive fee relief at a time. How does the centre handle the declaration, and will the same apply in 2027?
- Days and Hours: Which days does the preschool program run, and do they suit your work week?
- Places and Timing: Are places available for 2027, and is there a waitlist?
How Can You Prepare Your Child For The Preschool Year?
Funding is only one part of the decision, because a child who feels comfortable at drop-off can settle into learning sooner. Short practice visits to the centre help, as does a relaxed first morning.
At home, small routines build independence. Putting on shoes, washing hands before meals and carrying a water bottle without help all give a child confidence on the first day.
Winding Up
Start with your Child Care Subsidy details. If you have not yet applied, you can begin the process through Services Australia, which assesses your eligibility, and having an approved claim ready makes enrolment smoother once a start date is set.
Next, shortlist two or three centres and visit each in person, because a tour tells you more than any fee table can. Bring the questions from this guide and notice how educators speak with children.
Book a tour at Brightly Early Learning’s Box Hill centre to see the preschool program during a normal day and put your questions about 2027 fees to the team. We can also explain the enrollment process.
