Long day care fee relief: 2027 rates and payment dates explained

The NSW Department of Education’s 2027 Fee Relief for Long Day Care guidelines set out the annual funding rates, payment dates and participation requirements for eligible services. The program will replace Start Strong for Long Day Care from 1 January 2027, with annual fee relief of up to $2,625 per eligible child.

Two rates apply to each age group, based on the child’s age at 31 July 2027 and eligibility for the maximum payment. The published funding rates exclude GST and are the same for not-for-profit and for-profit early learning services.

The maximum rate applies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children attending services operated by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. It also applies to children attending services in eligible regional and remote locations or areas within the two most disadvantaged NSW socioeconomic deciles.

Providers identified through enrolment data

Providers do not need to submit an application for the program. The department will initially identify eligible services using Child Care Subsidy enrolment data from the representative week of 22–28 June 2026, with further checks to identify eligible new services.

Funding will be paid in four equal quarterly instalments, with the first expected by 18 December 2026 for January to March 2027. Subsequent payments are expected by 30 April, 30 July and 29 October 2027.

Providers must accept the 2027 terms and conditions in the Early Childhood Contract Management System (ECCMS) before payment can be made.

Preschool program requirement continues

Eligible services must provide an early childhood education program developed by a qualified early childhood teacher. Children must meet the program’s age and enrolment requirements and must not yet be in compulsory schooling. Families do not need to receive Child Care Subsidy, although the child’s enrolment must be confirmed in the Child Care Subsidy System.