What preschools actually charge in 2026
Here's what a range of preschools and long day care centres on Sydney's North Shore are charging per day in 2026, before any subsidy:
| Centre type | Preschool hours | Long day care |
|---|---|---|
| Community-run preschools | $90 - $140/day | Not typically offered |
| Independent centres (like us) | $130 - $165/day | $160 - $200/day |
| Large corporate chains | $140 - $175/day | $170 - $210/day |
| Premium / boutique centres | $170 - $220/day | $200 - $240/day |
Ranges reflect published 2026 fees across northern Sydney centres and vary by suburb and age group.
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 48+ hours of activity per fortnight, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, get 100 hours.
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. 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. If your centre charges above this (as most Sydney centres do), 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. 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 (takes up to 4 weeks).
- 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: In Sydney, typically $200-500, with premium centres charging more. A good centre refunds this when you start, or takes it off your last invoice when you leave with proper notice. That way 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 lunchbox items: If you're new to this, check labels when you shop, because many snacks contain nuts.
- Hat and uniform: Most centres sell branded hats ($15-25). 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 typically charge for absences (including illness), though some offer some allowable absence days per year.
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.
New families: enrol by 31 December 2026 and start by 28 February 2027 to receive 25% off your first 4 weeks.
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.