The NSW Government is expanding its commitment to early childhood wellbeing, with thousands more preschoolers set to benefit from free health and development checks in 2026 through a record funding boost.
A total of $9.8 million in participation grants will be rolled out to early learning services across the state, marking the largest expansion of the program since its launch in 2023. With this latest round, total investment has now reached $23 million, supporting more than 30,000 children through 3,189 grants.
Expanding Access Across NSW
In this fourth and biggest round of the Health and Development Participation Grant Program, over 1,400 preschools and long day care centres will receive funding of up to $7,500 each. The program has a strong statewide reach, with 1,040 services across metropolitan Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, while 388 are located in regional and remote NSW. A record 67 public preschools are also part of this expansion, ensuring wider accessibility.
Supporting Children Before School Begins
Delivered jointly by the NSW Department of Education and NSW Health, the initiative provides free, opt-in health checks for four-year-olds at their early learning centres. These checks play a crucial role in identifying developmental needs early and helping families access the right support before children begin school.
The assessments cover a wide range of areas including physical growth, oral health and speech development, along with social and behavioural skills. They also focus on motor development, both fine and gross, as well as learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each child’s progress.
How the Grants Are Used
The funding is structured to support both immediate participation and long-term improvements. A portion of the grant supports staffing needs, helping centres facilitate the program effectively, while the remaining funding is used to upskill educators and invest in resources that strengthen children’s health and development outcomes.
A Broader Vision for Early Learning
The program forms part of a wider strategy by the NSW Government to ensure every child gets the best start in life, regardless of background or postcode. This includes plans to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, along with the establishment of the NSW Early Learning Commission to improve transparency, quality and accountability across the sector.
Deputy Premier Prue Car highlighted that these checks provide reassurance to families while ensuring children are ready for school, while Health Minister Ryan Park emphasised their importance in tracking development and supporting early intervention.
Making a Real Difference for Families
Educators say the program is already making a meaningful difference by offering health checks directly within preschools, allowing families to access vital services in a familiar and convenient setting. This approach helps remove barriers that often delay early intervention and ensures children receive timely support.
As demand for early childhood services continues to grow, this expanded investment reflects a strong focus on building better foundations for the future – ensuring children across NSW are healthy, supported and ready to begin their learning journey.
