What preschools actually charge in 2026
The Department of Education publishes the average hourly fee charged by centre based day care services in each statistical area, before any subsidy. Here is the March quarter of 2026 for the areas around us (Roseville sits in the Ku-ring-gai area), from Table 9.1 of the data tables. Community preschools that are not long day care services are not in this data.
| Area (March quarter 2026) | Services | Average fee per hour | Share above the cap then in force ($14.63) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ku-ring-gai (Roseville, Lindfield, Killara, Gordon, Pymble, St Ives) | 60 | $16.76 | 90% |
| Chatswood and Lane Cove | 61 | $16.61 | 93% |
| North Sydney and Mosman | 38 | $18.57 | 100% |
| Hornsby | 49 | $15.45 | 76% |
| Ryde and Hunters Hill | 73 | $16.17 | 86% |
| NSW, all services | all | $14.75 | not published by state |
| Australia | 9,920 | $14.50 | 41% |
Source: Department of Education, Child Care Subsidy data report, March quarter 2026, published 3 July 2026. These are hourly averages: at the Ku-ring-gai average, a 10-hour session would be about $168 and a 9.5-hour day like ours about $159, as an illustration rather than an observed daily price. The cap was $14.63 in that quarter and is $15.19 from 6 July 2026. For comparison, Roseville's $166 full day works out at $17.47 an hour and the $135 preschool session at $22.50 an hour, because it is a shorter session.
For reference, Roseville Kindergarten's 2026 fees are:
- Preschool hours (9am-3pm): $135 per day
- Long day care hours (8am-5:30pm): $166 per day
That puts us at the lower end of the range for independent centres.
What's usually included, and what isn't
Fees vary because what's included varies. When comparing centres, ask specifically about:
Usually included
- All educational program costs
- Nappies (for under-3 programs)
- Afternoon tea
- Sunscreen
- Incursions (visiting shows and activities) & excursions (sometimes)
Sometimes extra
- Morning tea & lunch (centres that don't cook meals)
- Hats, library bags, uniforms
- End-of-year concert costs
- Special excursions or incursions
- Late-pickup fees
At Roseville Kindergarten, families bring their child's morning tea and lunch each day (suggestions here). Afternoon tea is provided. Our fee covers the full education program, with standard-program excursions included rather than charged separately.
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS): what you'll actually pay
This is the most important part. Most Australian families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, which is paid directly to the childcare provider, reducing your out-of-pocket cost.
Your CCS depends on 2 things:
- Combined family income. Higher income = lower subsidy percentage.
- The 3 Day Guarantee. Since 5 January 2026 the old activity test is gone: every CCS-eligible family gets at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight (about 3 days a week), regardless of how much you work. Families with more than 48 hours of recognised activity a fortnight (each parent, if you have a partner), families with an approved exemption, and families with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child get 100 hours (Services Australia).
Here's an approximate guide based on the 2026-27 rates (check Services Australia for your exact entitlement):
| Combined family income | Approximate CCS % | Out of pocket, 9am-3pm ($135)* | Out of pocket, 8am-5.30pm ($166)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $88,520 | 90% | ~$53/day | ~$36/day |
| $150,000 | ~78% | ~$64/day | ~$54/day |
| $200,000 | ~68% | ~$73/day | ~$68/day |
| $250,000 | ~58% | ~$82/day | ~$83/day |
| $300,000 | ~48% | ~$92/day | ~$97/day |
| $400,000 | ~28% | ~$110/day | ~$126/day |
| $538,520 and over | 0% | $135 (full fee) | $166 (full fee) |
*Estimates only, before the 5% Centrelink withholding. CCS is calculated on an hourly rate capped at $15.19, so the subsidy covers a larger share of the longer day; that's why, for many families, the full day costs about the same or less out of pocket than the shorter session. The subsidy falls 1 percentage point for every $5,000 of family income above $88,520, with no sudden cut-offs: every family below $538,520 gets something (Services Australia). For your own numbers, use our CCS calculator or the Services Australia estimator.
The hourly rate cap
The government caps the subsidised hourly rate. For Centre-Based Day Care from 6 July 2026, this cap is $15.19/hour (Department of Education). If your centre charges above this (as 90% of services in the Ku-ring-gai area did against the $14.63 cap that applied in March 2026), you'll pay the full difference on top. This is why "premium" centres have a bigger net cost difference than their daily fees suggest.
NSW Start Strong fee relief
On top of CCS, the NSW Government's Start Strong fee relief comes straight off your weekly fees here, automatically. In 2026 that's $36.39 a week for children who were 4 by 31 July, and $8.63 a week for children who turned 3 by 31 July, which is the standard annual amount ($1,783 and $423 in the NSW program guidelines) applied after CCS and spread over our 49 operating weeks; higher amounts apply to the equity groups in the guidelines. No paperwork beyond nominating us as your child's fee-relief service (it can only be received at one service at a time).
How to apply for the CCS
You apply directly through Services Australia, not through the childcare centre:
- Log in to myGov (create an account if you don't have one).
- Link your Centrelink account (you may need to phone Services Australia to do this).
- Submit a Child Care Subsidy claim through your Centrelink online account.
- Services Australia assesses your eligibility. Processing times vary, so claim before care starts; a claim can be backdated up to 28 days (Services Australia).
- Once approved, provide your CRN (Customer Reference Number) to the childcare centre.
- The subsidy is paid directly to us, and we reduce your fees.
Other costs to budget for
- Enrolment fee / holding deposit: Most services charge a waitlist or enrolment fee and some hold a bond; the amounts vary by service (NSW Government). A good centre refunds a deposit when you start, or takes it off your last invoice when you leave with proper notice, so it works like a refundable deposit, not an extra fee. Always ask about the refund conditions upfront. At Roseville, the holding deposit is $500, refunded or applied to your final invoice when 4 weeks' notice is given.
- Nut-free and egg-free lunchbox items: If you're new to this, check labels when you shop, because many snacks contain nuts or egg.
- Hat and uniform: Some centres charge for a sun hat or uniform. At Roseville, we supply broad-brimmed hats at no charge; they stay at the centre so they are always there on sunny days.
- Days off: Centres charge for booked days your child misses, including illness. The Child Care Subsidy still applies to up to 42 absence days per child each financial year (Services Australia).
Is preschool worth it?
This is a personal question, but quality preschool supports children's social, emotional, and cognitive development in ways that carry into the school years. That's true across income levels, though the effects tend to be most pronounced for children from less-advantaged backgrounds.
The "quality" part matters, small group sizes, experienced educators, and a play-based approach are more important than fancy facilities.
Costs at Roseville Kindergarten
Our 2026 fees:
- Preschool hours (9am-3pm): $135 per day
- Long day care hours (8am-5:30pm): $166 per day
Available 2 to 5 days per week. All fees include afternoon tea and the full educational program. We're CCS-approved, so most eligible families significantly reduce this.
Enrol by 31 December 2026 and start by 28 February 2027 to receive 25% off your first 4 weeks, for every newly enrolled child, including siblings. Offer terms.
Book a tour to see the centre and discuss whether we're the right fit for your family, or call Anna on 02 9416 3002.