The ACT Government offers families free three-year-old preschool.

The program provides up to 300 hours of quality, play-based preschool education per calendar year. It is a great opportunity for families to give their three-year-olds a great start in life.

Delivered by qualified early childhood teachers, the program focuses on developing social, language, and physical skills that helps them thrive in school and beyond.

How it works:

• Children must be 3 on or before 30 April and live in the ACT.
• The program is offered at over 140 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services known as Partner Providers across Canberra.
• Families can access up to 6 hours per week for 50 weeks, or 7.5 hours per week for 40 weeks.

Fee relief:

• The ACT Government provides funding directly to participating services, helping to reduce your fees.
• Family fee relief is capped at 300 hours per year.
• If your child attends additional hours, you’ll only pay the additional hours they attend, minus any Child Care Subsidy.

How to enrol:

• Find a service: Review the full list of participating Partner Providers on the ACT Government Education website.
• Contact the service: Enquire directly with the provider to start the enrolment process and confirm availability.

This program is not just about saving money – it is an investment in your child's future. Children who attend quality early learning programs are more likely to make a successful transition to school and stay longer in their education.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit the free three-year-old preschool webpage.

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