What is pre-school?

Pre-school / Kindergarten / Prep

Preschool is a planned educational program for children in the years before a child commences school. Children are usually aged between 3 and 5 years. Preschool may take place in a range of settings including a purpose built building, in a community setting, a school, as part of a long day care centre or a mobile or visiting service.

Preschool generally runs between the hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm similar to school hours although this may vary by state and by service so check with the provider. The terms kindergarten or prep are also used in some states.

Is my child eligible for the Child Care Subsidy if they attend preschool?

Children who attend a preschool program within a long day care centre are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. However children who attend preschool in a service which only offers a preschool program, for example a standalone preschool operating within school hours, will not attract the new Child Care Subsidy.

If you are unsure about which category a preschool belongs to, you should contact the service to check. 

To learn more about how preschool is funded in your state or territory contact the authority below.