A Comprehensive Guide to 300 Hours of Free Preschool ACT Program

The Free Preschool ACT program is an incredible initiative designed to make early childhood education more accessible for families in the Australian Capital Territory. By offering 300 hours of free preschool per year for three-year-olds, this program helps children build essential skills while easing the financial burden on parents. In this guide, we’ll explain how the program works, who is eligible, and how you can take advantage of it at Edge Early Learning.

What Is the Free Preschool ACT Program?

The Free Preschool ACT program provides families with 300 hours of free preschool per year for three-year-olds attending a government-approved preschool program. This equates to 6 hours of free preschool per week over 50 weeks, saving families an average of $1,329 annually.

The program encourages two years of preschool before starting school, giving children the opportunity to develop social, emotional, and foundational skills in a play-based learning environment.

What Is a Preschool Program?
A preschool program is an early childhood education program designed to prepare children for school. It focuses on developing social, emotional, and foundational skills through play-based learning. At Edge Early Learning, our preschool programs are led by qualified educators who create engaging and nurturing environments for children to thrive.

How Does the Free Preschool ACT Work?

The funding for the Free Preschool ACT program is paid directly to participating childcare providers, like Edge Early Learning. This funding is applied as a credit to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses after the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) has been applied.

Do Families Need to Reapply Each Year?
Good news! Families do not need to reapply for the Free Preschool ACT program each year. Once your child is enrolled in a participating preschool program, the funding is automatically renewed for the duration of their eligibility. This makes it easy for parents to continue accessing the benefits without additional paperwork.

Practical Examples of Scheduling Free Preschool Hours

The 6 hours of free preschool per week can be scheduled in a way that suits your family’s needs. For example:

• Two 3-hour sessions per week: Ideal for families who prefer shorter, more frequent sessions.
• One half-day session per week: Perfect for families who want to consolidate the hours into a single day.

At Edge Early Learning, our team can help you create a schedule that works best for your child and your family.

How Does the ACT Program Compare to Other States?

The Free Preschool ACT program is unique in its focus on providing free preschool hours specifically for three-year-olds. While other states in Australia, such as New South Wales and Victoria, also offer free or subsidised preschool programs, they often focus on four-year-olds in the year before school.

For example:

• Victoria: Offers 15 hours of free preschool per week for both three- and four-year-olds.
• New South Wales: Provides free preschool for four-year-olds and some three-year-olds in community preschools.
• Queensland: Offers a government-funded kindergarten program for four-year-olds but does not currently provide free preschool for three-year-olds.

The ACT program stands out by ensuring that three-year-olds have access to free early education, giving them a head start in their learning journey.

Who Is Eligible for Free Preschool in ACT?

To qualify for the Free Preschool ACT program, your child must meet the following criteria:

• Be 3 years old by April 30th in the year they start preschool.
• Be a resident of the ACT.
• Be enrolled at a participating childcare centre, such as Edge Early Learning.
• Families do not need to be claiming the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to qualify.

How to Access Free Preschool for My Child

If your child is already enrolled in a participating preschool program, you don’t need to do anything – the funding will be applied automatically.

If you’re looking to enrol your child in a new centre, Edge Early Learning offers high-quality preschool programs across multiple locations. You can:

• Book a tour to visit your local Edge Early Learning centre.
• Waitlist now or enquire online to secure your child’s spot.

How Does the Free Preschool ACT Work With the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Good news! You can claim both the Free Preschool ACT program and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) at the same time. The free preschool funding is applied after the CCS, further reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more about the CCS, check out our Child Care Subsidy guide.

What Age Do Children Start Preschool in ACT?

In the ACT, children typically start preschool the year they turn 4. However, the Free Preschool ACT program allows children to begin attending a preschool program from the age of 3, giving them two years of early education before starting formal schooling.

Edge Early Learning is proud to participate in the Free Preschool ACT program, helping families access affordable, high-quality early education. With automatic renewal, flexible scheduling options, and a focus on three-year-olds, this program is a fantastic opportunity for families in the ACT.

Spots are limited, so we encourage you to enquire online or book a tour today to secure your child’s place in our preschool program.

Give your child the best start to their learning journey with Edge Early Learning and the Free Preschool ACT program!