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 |
| Corporate chains (Guardian, Goodstart, etc.) | $140 - $175/day | $170 - $210/day |
| Premium / boutique centres | $170 - $220/day | $200 - $240/day |
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 accessible end of the independent centre range.
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 & 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, and we don't charge separately for excursions during the standard program.
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS): what you'll actually pay
This is the big one. 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 percentage depends on two things:
- Combined family income. Higher income = lower subsidy percentage.
- Activity test. How many hours per fortnight you and your partner work, study, train, or volunteer.
Here's an approximate guide based on the 2026 rates (check Services Australia for your exact entitlement):
| Combined family income | Approximate CCS % | Your out-of-pocket $/day* |
|---|---|---|
| Under $83,000 | ~90% | ~$14/day |
| $83,000 - $173,000 | ~90% → 50% (sliding) | ~$14 → $68/day |
| $173,000 - $252,000 | ~50% | ~$68/day |
| $252,000 - $362,000 | ~50% → 20% (sliding) | ~$68 → $108/day |
| $362,000 - $532,000 | ~20% → 0% | ~$108 → $135/day |
| Over $532,000 | 0% | Full fee ($135/day) |
*Based on Roseville Kindergarten's $135/day preschool fee. The CCS hourly rate cap applies, you may receive a slightly lower subsidy percentage on the portion of fees above the cap.
The hourly rate cap
The government caps the subsidised hourly rate. For Centre-Based Day Care in 2026, this cap is approximately $14.29/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 sticker price suggests.
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 sign is a centre that refunds this when you start, or applies it to your final invoice when you leave with appropriate notice, so it acts as a placeholder rather than a 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, expect to rethink your shopping habits.
- 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 the research is consistent: quality preschool has measurable benefits for children's social, emotional, and cognitive development that extend into the school years and beyond. 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 and start by 31 December 2026 and 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.