Hand In Hand ELC

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Narellan

Opening in Early 2026

Expressions of Interest - Now Open!

Our Centre

What Families Can Expect

Our Learning Spaces

All-Inclusive Experiences

Coming to Narellan are a range of enriching activities to inspire creativity, movement, and
wellbeing — all included in your child’s day at no extra cost!

Expressions of Interest Now Open!

Frequently Asked Questions

The Start Strong Program is an NSW Government initiative that helps make quality preschool education more affordable and accessible for families. It provides fee relief and supports every child’s opportunity to benefit from early learning before school.

Children who attend an approved community or long day care preschool program may be eligible if they meet the following criteria:

  • 4-year-olds: Born on or before 31 July 2025
  • 3-year-olds: Aged 3 and not yet 4 by 31 July 2025

 

  • Up to $2,174 per child for 4-year-olds and older

  • Up to $515 per child for 3-year-olds

This fee relief is applied directly to your child’s preschool fees once the required documentation has been completed.

Families must complete and submit a Families Declaration Form provided by the preschool. This confirms your child’s eligibility and ensures that the fee relief can be applied correctly.

The program is designed to:

  • Provide at least 600 hours of preschool education per year
  • Encourage consistent attendance to support school readiness
  • Support families experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage
  • Promote inclusivity for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and multicultural families
  • Foster lifelong learning and family wellbeing

Yes. Start Strong actively supports children experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage, including those from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, or low-income backgrounds.

From 2026, the Australian Government’s 3-Day Guarantee ensures that every child in Australia has access to at least three days per week of affordable early childhood education and care.
This initiative works alongside the Start Strong Program to:

  • Improve affordability and access

  • Support family work and study commitments

Ensure all children receive consistent, high-quality early learning opportunities

The 3-Day Guarantee aims to make early education more affordable for families, especially when combined with Start Strong fee relief and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Your final out-of-pocket cost will depend on your CCS percentage and the amount of Start Strong fee relief your family receives.

The Start Strong Program provides access to a minimum of 600 hours per year, which typically equals about 15 hours (two days) per week.
With the 3-Day Guarantee coming in 2026, families may have even greater flexibility and access to affordable care for up to three days per week.

Regular attendance builds your child’s confidence, social skills, and school readiness. The Start Strong Program encourages consistent participation to ensure every child starts school with a strong foundation.