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Childcare and Kindergarten in Sydney 2026, Costs, Child Care Subsidy, and How to Find a Centre Near You
Sydney childcare guide 2026: how much long day care costs in Sydney before and after the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), preschool and kindergarten options, NQS ratings, and how to find a childcare centre near you in Sydney.
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Childcare and Kindergarten in Sydney 2026
Sydney has one of Australia's most expensive and competitive childcare markets. Long day care (LDC) daily rates in Sydney's inner city and North Shore are among the highest in the country, though the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reduces the actual cost significantly for eligible families. education.gov.au
How Much Does Childcare Cost in Sydney 2026?
- Long day care (daily rate, before CCS), inner city/North Shore, typically $175-$230/day
- Long day care (daily rate, before CCS), western/south-western Sydney, typically $130-$180/day
- Family day care (daily rate, before CCS), typically $90-$145/day
- After CCS for median Sydney family income, typically $25-$75/day (income-tested)
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) in NSW
The CCS is a federal income-tested subsidy paid through Centrelink that reduces out-of-pocket childcare costs. Families earning under approximately $80,000 receive 90%+ subsidy on approved care. Use the CCS estimator at the Services Australia website to calculate your entitlement. servicesaustralia.gov.au
NSW Preschool and Funded Kindergarten
NSW funds 15 hours per week of preschool for children in the year before starting school (Kindergarten) at approved services. This is available at community preschools and some long day care centres. Search approved centres and check NQS (National Quality Standard) ratings at childcarefinder.gov.au. childcarefinder.gov.au
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.