NSW mobile preschool funding supports access and affordability in regional and remote communities

Mobile preschool services across regional and remote New South Wales can access operational support and family fee relief through the 2026 Mobile Preschool Funding Program, with applications remaining open until 31 December 2026.

Administered by the NSW Department of Education, the program offers a total funding pool of up to approximately $20 million to support eligible services in communities where centre-based preschool options are limited. It aims to improve affordability, strengthen quality and encourage children’s participation in early learning before school.

The program provides two complementary funding streams: a Program Payment to support service operating expenses and a Fee Relief Payment to reduce preschool costs for families.

Together, these payments support eligible mobile preschools to deliver at least 600 hours of low-cost or no-cost preschool education to eligible children. Fee relief funding must be passed through to families as a reduction in fees.

The funding model recognises the additional demands of delivering preschool across regional and remote communities. Its components include a funding floor to provide greater operational certainty, loadings for certain travel and venue costs, and adjustments reflecting service delivery and children’s circumstances.

The program supports equitable access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from low-income families, children with disability or additional needs, children living in regional or remote areas, and children at risk of significant harm.

To attract funding, children must generally be at least three years old by 31 July 2026, attend an eligible mobile preschool program and not be undertaking compulsory schooling. Providers must follow the program’s priority of access requirements when making enrolment decisions.

Eligible services must be operated by a not-for-profit provider, hold the relevant service approval and deliver a program led by a qualified early childhood teacher using the Early Years Learning Framework.

They must operate predominantly in regional or remote NSW, using venues that are not purpose-built centre-based preschools or operating as a pack-away service, where centre-based preschool programs are not readily available.

Providers of new services can apply throughout 2026. Previously funded services generally do not need to reapply, although significant changes to their operations may require a new application.

Interested organisations should review the 2026 program guidelines and contact [email protected] to request access to the online application. Funding is subject to assessment and approval.