What is the Start Strong Program?
The Start Strong Program is a NSW Government initiative designed to make preschool more accessible and affordable for families. It provides funding to approved early childhood services like St Nicholas, helping reduce the cost of preschool in the two years before school.
How it works
When your child is enrolled in our Preschool Program (ages 3-5), Start Strong funding is applied directly to your fees, on top of any Child Care Subsidy (CCS) you may already receive. This means:
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Lower out-of-pocket costs
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Year-round savings
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Flexible enrolment options, with funding available regardless of how many days you attend
Who’s eligible?
Start Strong applies to children who:
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Are 3 or 4 years old on or before 31 July
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Are enrolled in an eligible preschool program
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Are not yet attending formal school
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Have nominated St Nicholas as their Start Strong provider
Our team will guide you through a quick declaration form to get started.
What this means for your family
At St Nicholas, Start Strong funding allows you to:
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Access high-quality, teacher-led preschool at a more affordable rate
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Benefit from a play-based program designed to build confidence, independence, and support with school transition
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Enjoy full-day care and flexible routines to suit your schedule
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Save thousands per year in eligible preschool fees
Your child’s learning journey
Our Preschool Program is led by university-qualified early childhood teachers and aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework. We focus on:
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Social and emotional development
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Literacy and numeracy foundations
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Creative and physical expression
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Strong connections with local schools to support a smooth transition to Kindergarten
Enrol now
Contact our team to:
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Check your eligibility for Start Strong
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Book a tour of your local St Nicholas centre
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Learn more about how we can support your child’s learning journey
Give your child the best start—and make preschool more affordable with St Nicholas.
To get started, enquire now.
