If your child is turning three or four, you may be eligible to save on preschool fees at Mini Masterminds through the NSW Government’s Start Strong for Long Day Care program.
In 2027, eligible families can receive government-funded fee relief for children enrolled in an approved preschool program at a participating long day care centre. This funding is in addition to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which may further reduce your out-of-pocket childcare costs.
At Mini Masterminds, our Mini Milestones preschool program supports children as they develop the skills, confidence and independence they need for their next big milestone: starting school.
To qualify for the 2027 Start Strong fee relief, your child must be enrolled in an eligible preschool program at a participating long day care centre and meet the relevant age requirements.
For 2027, eligible age groups include:
If your child attends Mini Masterminds, or you are considering enrolling your little one, speak with your local centre team to confirm whether your enrolment and your child’s circumstances meet the program requirements.
The amount of fee relief depends on your child’s age and eligibility for the relevant funding rate.
For eligible children, the standard annual fee relief amounts are:
Higher rates may be available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and children who meet other specified eligibility criteria, including certain location-based or socio-economic criteria. Under the higher rate, eligible children aged four and above may receive up to $2,625 per year, while eligible three-year-olds may receive up to $788 per year.
Mini Masterminds does not currently operate centres in regional or remote areas or areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage. However, eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children may qualify for the higher rate, subject to the program requirements.
These amounts represent potential fee relief rather than a guaranteed saving for every family. Your actual reduction will depend on your eligibility and how the funding is applied to your fees.
Enquire with Mini Masterminds to learn more.
The annual fee relief is distributed across 49 weeks of the year, regardless of how many hours your child attends each week.
For families receiving the standard rate, this equates to approximately:
For example, if your four-year-old is eligible for the standard $1,826 rate, the fee relief could reduce your preschool costs by up to $37.27 per week across the 49-week funding period.
When combined with your eligible Child Care Subsidy, this may help make quality early learning more affordable for your family.
Your final out-of-pocket fees will depend on your centre’s fees, your CCS entitlement, your child’s attendance and the fee relief you receive.
At Mini Masterminds, we believe the preschool years are an important time for children to build confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.
Our Mini Milestones preschool program, designed for children aged three to five, supports the development of skills that help prepare children for their transition to school.
Through engaging learning experiences and supportive educator relationships, children have opportunities to develop:
Our educators support each child’s individual development while helping them build the confidence and independence they can draw on when they begin school.
Because Mini Milestones caters to children aged three to five, families can explore the program as their child grows, including when they first become eligible for preschool fee relief.
Come and see your local centre to hear more.
Fee relief is not necessarily applied automatically. Families need to complete the relevant declaration and consent form and nominate the eligible service they want to receive the funding through.
You can only nominate one service at a time for this fee relief. If your child attends more than one early learning service, consider which eligible service is the best fit for your circumstances.
Once your declaration has been processed and the fee relief is applied, the funding is passed on to your family as a reduction in eligible fees. You should be able to see the fee relief reflected in your statement from the centre.
You can access the NSW Government Start Strong fee relief declaration and consent form. Check that you are using the correct form for the 2027 funding year when it becomes available.
For the latest eligibility requirements and program information, visit the NSW Government’s Start Strong for families page.
Choosing a preschool is about more than fees. It is also about finding an environment where your child feels safe, supported and encouraged to learn.
At Mini Masterminds, our team can help you learn more about Mini Milestones, discuss your child’s needs and explain the fees associated with your preferred days of care.
Book a tour at your nearest Mini Masterminds centre to explore our learning environments, meet the team and discuss whether your family may be eligible for NSW preschool fee relief in 2027.
What is the NSW Start Strong preschool fee relief program?
Start Strong for Long Day Care is a NSW Government program that provides funding to eligible long day care services to reduce preschool fees for eligible three- and four-year-old children. The fee relief is intended to make early childhood education more affordable for families and is separate from the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy.
How much can I save on preschool fees at Mini Masterminds?
Eligible families may receive up to $1,826 per year for children aged four and above or up to $434 per year for children aged three under the standard 2027 rates. Higher rates may apply to eligible children who meet additional criteria. Your actual saving depends on your eligibility and the funding applied to your fees.
Can I receive Start Strong fee relief and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
Yes. The NSW Start Strong fee relief is designed to operate alongside the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy. If you are eligible for CCS, it can reduce your out-of-pocket childcare fees further. The amount you pay will depend on your CCS entitlement, your centre’s fees, your attendance and the fee relief applied.
Does my child need to attend Mini Masterminds a certain number of days per week?
The funding is distributed across 49 weeks, regardless of how many hours your child attends each week. However, eligibility and the way fee relief is applied are subject to the program rules. Contact your preferred Mini Masterminds centre to discuss your proposed attendance and confirm the applicable requirements.
When does my child become eligible for the 2027 preschool fee relief?
For the standard 2027 age categories, children must be four years old on or before 31 July 2027, or three years old but not yet four on that date. Your child must also be enrolled in an eligible preschool program at a participating service and meet the other program requirements.
Is preschool fee relief available for three-year-olds?
Yes. Eligible three-year-olds may receive up to $434 per year under the standard 2027 rate. Children who qualify for the higher funding rate may be eligible for up to $788 per year.
Is preschool fee relief available for four-year-olds?
Yes. Eligible children aged four and above may receive up to $1,826 per year under the standard 2027 rate. Eligible children who qualify for the higher rate may receive up to $2,625 per year.
How do I apply for Start Strong fee relief?
Families need to complete the applicable declaration and consent form and nominate the eligible early learning service they want to receive the fee relief through. Check the NSW Government’s Start Strong for families page for the latest instructions and the correct form for the 2027 funding year.
Can I claim the fee relief at more than one childcare centre?
No. You can nominate only one service at a time to receive this fee relief for your child. If your child attends multiple services, you will need to nominate the eligible service through which you want to receive the funding.
Will the fee relief be paid directly into my bank account?
The fee relief is passed on through the participating service as a reduction in eligible fees rather than as a separate cash payment to your family. Once applied, it should be reflected in your fee statement.
Does the subsidy cover all my preschool fees?
No. The fee relief is a contribution towards eligible fees, not a guarantee that preschool will be free. Your remaining out-of-pocket costs will depend on your centre’s fees, the amount of fee relief applied, your CCS entitlement and your child’s attendance.
What is the Mini Milestones preschool program at Mini Masterminds?
Mini Milestones is Mini Masterminds’ preschool program for children aged three to five. It supports early literacy and numeracy, problem-solving, social development, independence and school readiness through age-appropriate learning experiences and educator support.
Can my child attend Mini Masterminds preschool before they turn four?
Mini Milestones is designed for children aged three to five, so families can explore the program from age three. However, eligibility for Start Strong fee relief depends on your child’s age on the specified date and the program’s other requirements.
How can I find out what my fees will be after the subsidy?
The best way to understand your likely out-of-pocket costs is to contact your preferred Mini Masterminds centre. Our team can discuss your child’s age, your intended days of care and the relevant fee information, including how applicable fee relief and CCS may affect your costs.
Where can I find more information about NSW preschool subsidies?
Visit the NSW Government’s Start Strong for families page for official program information, eligibility requirements and application guidance. You can also contact your nearest Mini Masterminds centre to discuss our preschool program and your enrolment options.
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