More free health checks rolled out for NSW preschoolers

The New South Wales Government has announced that more children will get free health and development checks, announcing $7.2 million for 881 early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across NSW.

The NSW Government opt-in Health and Development Checks in Early Childhood and Care program supports health professionals to visit ECEC services to conduct the checks for four-year-olds to help identify additional support the children may need before school.

More than 7,000 children have received a free health and development check in their ECEC service since the program began in 2023.

The checks assess various aspects of the child’s development, including problem solving skills, listening, talking and social skills. Physical growth and dental health will also be monitored.

The program aims to make it easier for more services to offer the checks.

Eligible services will receive up to $7,500 to support:  

1. Staffing to support services to deliver the health and development checks
2. Provision of private space to conduct the checks.
3. Support to address health and development needs identified through the checks.

The checks offered through ECEC services provide families with a free alternative to visiting a doctor or Child and Family Health service.

Nearly half (44 per cent) of NSW children are not developmentally on track when they start school, according to the most recent Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data.

All preschools and long day care services can participate in the Health and Development Checks in Early Childhood Education and Care program by contacting their local health district.

“Offering the free checks at early childhood education and care services makes it easier for working families to participate and ensures there is early intervention for students who need it,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said.