Applications are now open for early childhood education and care providers to apply for funding under a new $20 million program to create extra places for children in areas with an undersupply.

Hundreds of extra families will get access to early childhood education and care with the NSW Government committing to accelerate the build of new services or expand facilities in areas of greatest need.

The new Building Early Learning Places Program will support eligible not-for-profit community preschools and long daycare centres in 31 targeted areas as well as places delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) service providers.

The 31 targeted areas are located in western and south-west Sydney, the Illawarra, South Coast, Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands, Central Western Plains and Northern Tablelands.

The new program will support the anticipated creation of at least 300 additional spaces a week for children aged zero to six in communities where there is an undersupply of early childhood education and care, giving children the best start to education no matter where they live.

Drawing on the NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund this latest initiative forms part of the NSW Government’s plan to ensure more families across the state can access affordable, quality early childhood education and care services close to home. These include:

• Building 100 new public preschools allowing more than 9000 additional children to benefit from a fee-free preschool education
• More than $430 million in preschool fee relief for families in 2024-25   
• A $20 million Flexible Initiatives Trial, which provides grants to early childhood education and care services so that they can trial new and innovative ways of operating. This includes weekend hours and flexible drop off and pick-up times - to better cater for families’ needs.
• More than $17 million in scholarships and professional development to increase the pipeline of ECEC educators and teachers  
• More than $5 million for Business Capability Development Program, to support early childhood services with business skills.

More information, including how to apply and opening dates for the program, can be found on the department’s website at education.nsw.gov.au/BuildingEarlyLearningPlaces

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:  

“This program will support communities where we know families need more access to early childhood education and care.

“We know a high-quality early childhood education in the years before school sets children up for success heading into school, which is why the Minns Government is committed to increasing access for NSW families.

“We want to ensure all children have access to the benefits of early childhood education, regardless of their background or postcode.”