Inclusion Funding Program
The Inclusion Funding Program provides funding and support to enable children with inclusion support needs attending not-for-profit preschools (operating as community preschools) and mobile preschools to participate meaningfully in the preschool educational program.
This program will replace components of the Disability and Inclusion Program from 2027.
Key information
The 2027 Inclusion Funding Program guidelines are now available. Applications are expected to open on 2 November 2026.
The Inclusion Funding Program is open to community and mobile preschools receiving funding under the Universal Preschool Funding program or the Mobile Preschool Funding program. The program aims to:
support equitable education outcomes for children with inclusion support needs during their attendance at preschool and as they transition to school
target funding and support based on the adjustments required to enable the child's participation in the preschool educational program
increase the early learning sector’s capability to uphold every child’s right to access, participate and be meaningfully included in early learning, regardless of background, abilities and preferences
align with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Thriving Kids, whereby the NDIS and Thriving Kids provide disability supports, and this program provides educational supports.
Program components
There are two funding components of the Inclusion Funding Program.
| Program Component | Description | Component Guidelines/ More Information |
|---|---|---|
Inclusion Funding Program | Funding is provided for children with inclusion support needs to participate meaningfully in the preschool educational environment. | |
Specialised Equipment Funding Program | Funding for specialised equipment/furniture. | View the 2027 Specialised Equipment Funding Program Guidelines |
More information
Research and data show:
7.2% of children attending NSW community preschools in 2022 were children with disability or additional needs [Review of early childhood education and care, 2023].
Supports to provide adjustments and strengthen inclusive practice can improve children’s learning, development, wellbeing, belonging and participation, particularly for children who may be experiencing additional barriers to inclusion (Australian Institute of Family Studies 2025; Productivity Commission 2024; Disability Royal Commission 2023).
all children benefit from inclusive settings in the short and long term [Supporting disability inclusion with children and families, 2025].
The Inclusion Funding Program is consistent with: