Parents of three-year-olds will be handed one-off $500 childcare vouchers under a $64 million cost-of-living relief scheme to be included in the New South Wales budget.
Families of 64,000 children in long day care preschool programs are expected to benefit from the fee relief, which the NSW premier said would help to ensure children have access to early education.
The scheme is part of the state budget's centrepiece $100 million package that will also trial an expansion of childcare hours, support new services in high-growth areas, and help recruit new educators.
The package will also trial an expansion of childcare hours, support new services in high-growth areas, and help recruit new educators.
"We were elected with a mandate to reinvest in essential services and that includes giving children the best possible start in life, and a great education," Premier Chris Minns said.
Another $20 million for the Flexible Initiatives Trial will expand access to early childhood education and care, extended hours, and help parents re-entering the workforce.
New not-for-profit services in high-growth and regional communities will also benefit from $20 million in capital funds, the government said.
And $22 million will be invested over five years to recruit and retain essentially early childhood workers, including in tertiary scholarships and professional development.
"Attending preschool is so important for young children's development, and the investments we make today will make a world of difference for these children's futures," Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car said.
