Deadline: 08-Jun-2026
The Expanding Quality Access Program is a large-scale funding initiative in New South Wales designed to support early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. It specifically assists not-for-profit community preschools in transitioning into centre-based long day care models.
The program is part of the NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund and is administered by the Department of Education.
Its primary purpose is to improve access to affordable, high-quality childcare while supporting economic participation across communities.
Program Objectives
The program focuses on three main policy outcomes:
- Expanding access to affordable early childhood education and care
- Increasing availability of long-day childcare services to meet diverse family needs
- Supporting workforce participation, especially for women, by enabling extended childcare hours
It aims to ensure families in underserved communities have better access to flexible childcare options.
Key Policy Focus Areas
The program prioritises:
- Improving access to quality early childhood education
- Expanding childcare options across age groups
- Supporting working families with extended childcare hours
- Enhancing service availability in underserved areas
- Strengthening the early childhood education workforce
Program Structure and Delivery Model
The Expanding Quality Access Program operates as:
- A non-competitive grant program
- A demand-driven funding model
- A targeted transition support initiative
It specifically supports existing community preschools that want to transition into long day care providers to better meet community demand.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible organisations include:
- Not-for-profit community preschools in NSW
- Approved early childhood education and care providers under National Law
- Services funded under the 2026 Start Strong for Community Preschools program
- Providers maintaining at least “Meeting National Quality Standard” rating
Applicants must comply with all regulatory and funding requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for Providers
To qualify, services must:
- Be approved under relevant ECEC National Law and regulations
- Be funded under the 2026 Start Strong for Community Preschools program
- Maintain at least a “Meeting National Quality Standard” rating
- Agree to all program conditions
- Be registered with the Early Childhood Contract Management System
- Comply with all legal and operational requirements
Eligibility Requirements for Agents (if applicable)
Organisations applying on behalf of providers must:
- Be a properly registered legal entity
- Have at least 12 months of active operational status
- Hold appropriate insurance coverage
- Obtain written authorisation from the provider
- Demonstrate ability to comply with funding requirements
- Be capable of managing reporting and contract systems
Funding Nature and Scale
- Total program funding: $100 million
- Funding type: Government grant program
- Structure: Non-competitive, demand-driven support
The funding supports service transition costs and operational adjustments required to expand childcare capacity.
Expected Outcomes
The program aims to deliver:
- Increased availability of long day care services
- Improved affordability of early childhood education
- Greater workforce participation, particularly among women
- Expanded childcare access in underserved communities
- Better alignment between childcare supply and family needs
- Strengthened early childhood education system capacity
Why the Program Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Addresses childcare shortages in NSW
- Supports economic participation by enabling working parents
- Improves equity in access to early childhood education
- Strengthens service flexibility for modern family needs
- Enhances long-term workforce development outcomes
- Supports transitions to more sustainable childcare models
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without meeting National Quality Standard requirements
- Lack of eligibility under Start Strong funding program
- Missing regulatory approval under ECEC National Law
- Insufficient documentation of transition readiness
- Failure to comply with contract management system requirements
- Applying without proper organisational authorisation
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate readiness for transition to long day care
- Show compliance with quality and regulatory standards
- Provide a detailed service expansion plan
- Highlight community demand and unmet childcare needs
- Ensure strong governance and administrative capacity
- Demonstrate workforce and operational sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Expanding Quality Access Program?
A NSW government grant program supporting community preschools to transition into long day care services.
What is the total funding available?
$100 million.
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit community preschools and approved early childhood education providers in NSW.
Is the program competitive?
No, it is demand-driven and non-competitive.
What is the main goal of the program?
To improve access to affordable, high-quality childcare and support workforce participation.
What quality standard is required?
Services must meet at least the “Meeting National Quality Standard” rating.
Can organisations apply on behalf of providers?
Yes, if they meet registration, insurance, and authorisation requirements.
Conclusion
The Expanding Quality Access Program is a major NSW initiative designed to transform early childhood education access by supporting community preschools to expand into long day care services. By increasing childcare availability and flexibility, the program strengthens workforce participation, improves equity, and supports long-term economic and social outcomes for families across New South Wales.
For more information, visit NSW Government.
