Preschool

Preschools are usually for children aged 3 to 5 years old, or the 2 years before they start school, and generally operate from 9 am to 3.30 pm during NSW school terms.

Preschools provide a program that supports early learning and transition to school.

Types of preschools include:

• Public preschools, owned and operated by the department on public school sites. Go to 100 new public preschools to learn more and find out where your nearest public preschool is located

• Community preschools, not-for-profit services run by local community

• Other preschools may be offered as part of different early learning service types, such as long day cares.

The NSW Government has committed to building 100 new public preschools by 2027. Visit 100 new preschools to find out more.

Long day care

Long day care services are available for children from birth to school age and generally run from 7-8 am to 6 pm to suit working families. Children can attend all or part of the day. Many long day care services offer preschool programs.

Family day care

Registered educators provide education and care for children from birth to age 12 in homes or approved venues.

These services cater for small groups of up to 7 children, with a maximum of 4 under preschool age.

Outside of school hours care (OOSH)

These services operate before and after school for school aged children.

Some services also provide education and care during school holidays and pupil-free days, sometimes known as vacation care.

You can find your nearest OOSH via School Finder.

Occasional care

Casual care services offer short-term care for children from birth to school age for short periods of time.

These types of services are suitable for families with temporary or last-minute needs.

Mobile services

Mobile services are designed to travel to areas where centre-based services are not readily available.

The In Home Care Program provides access to Government subsidised child care in the family home and is not regulated under the National Quality Framework.

The program is targeted to assist parents or carers who are unable to access other mainstream child care options such as those who work non-standard hours, are geographically isolated or have families with challenging and complex needs.