What is preschool?
In the ACT, preschool is the two years before formal schooling begins.
Preschool is a play-based learning program that will help your child develop social, language, and physical skills. By learning these critical skills in the early years, their transition to school is easier and they’re more likely to continue their education beyond school.
The ACT Government provides up to $2,575 per year of government funding to reduce fees for three-year-olds attending preschool. This funding is available for up to 300 hours per year.
Why choose Goodstart?
There are lots of things to consider when choosing a preschool for your child. Is it somewhere where your child feels nurtured and supported? Are they learning the skills they need to start school? Is the centre open when you need care?
At Goodstart, we provide a blend of what families need in an environment children love. Our play-based learning program follows the Australian Early Years Learning Framework. All preschool classes have bachelor qualified early education teachers to teach your children the communication, social and educational skills they’ll need for big school.
We also provide flexibility and convenience for busy families by providing preschool programs in a long day care (LDC) format.
Here we answer some common questions about how the Goodstart program works and how our preschool program can benefit your child, you and your family.
Learn more about preschool funding in the Australian Capital Territory
Goodstart Preschool in the Australian Capital Territory
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- In the ACT, preschool families can get a reduction in their fees thanks to the free three-year-old preschool program.
- For three-year-olds attending preschool, families can access $2,575 per year of government funding to reduce their fees.
- Your child must be three years old on or before 30 April to access the program
- This funding is available for up to 300 hours per year.
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The three-year-old program funding will be allocated to families as a flat rate across the year to reduce your fees. This preschool funding is available for everyone, even if you don’t receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
If you receive CCS, the funding will be applied after CCS, to further reduce your out-of-pocket fees.
Eligible children can enrol anytime during that calendar year and receive pro rata funding.
To receive your preschool funding, simply sign the parental consent form to confirm your child is accessing their three-year-old preschool program at Goodstart.
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ACT preschool programs are designed and delivered by bachelor-qualified early childhood teachers (ECT) to prepare your child for school. Our program follows the Australian Early Years Learning Framework, or EYLF.
The EYLF is play-based and supports children to grow the following skills to help them transition to school:
- Build social skills, like making friends and respecting others.
- Develop cognitive, physical and social skills.
- Practice early literacy and numeracy skills.
- Manage emotional regulation and naming how they feel.
- Improve communication skills, like saying what they need without getting frustrated.
It's easy to see play-based learning as 'just having fun' but it's not 'just playing'. Children learn through play.
When children learn these critical skills, they’re more likely to transition to school easily, stay longer at school, pursue further education and fully take part in employment and community life as adults.
You can read more about what they learn in preschool.
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Our centres offer longer hours and more flexible options than many other preschools, including 9 hour, 10 hour and all-day sessions.
Not only that, but we also know not all families have the same routine, so our programs are on offer five days a week, 52 weeks a year.
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We love celebrating children for who they are and tuning into their interests to get the best out of them. We monitor their progress and help them along the way so they feel supported as they grow.
Whether children need extra behavioural or education help, Goodstart is committed to providing it. We can help families access extra assistance in the areas of:
- speech and language
- behaviour
- social skills
- general development
If you're concerned about any aspect of your child’s development or learning, please speak to your child’s teacher.
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In order to start school confidently, your child needs to have social and emotional readiness. We liaise with teachers at local primary schools, families and the community to help build those skills so your child is ready for school.
Through ACT’s Continuity and Transitioning Statement, we share your child’s strengths, interests and experiences with their new school to help improve continuity during this transition.
Throughout the preschool year, we hold school transition activities so your child feels ready on their first day of school. It’s important to us that all children in our care are ready for the next step in their education.
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We know how important it is that every child is recognised for their unique personality. We celebrate all children in our care and make sure our centres are welcoming to all families.
At our heart is providing an inclusive education. We are committed to reconciliation and building strong support networks and communities with you and your children.
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