Preschool Plus
Preschool Plus is a targeted early intervention program that provides eligible children who are most at risk of developmental vulnerability with access to up to 30 hours per week (1,200 hours per year) of high-quality, teacher-led preschool in the 2 years before full-time school.
Preschool Plus enrolments attract additional funding and targeted supports, including fee relief, to help reduce barriers to enrolment and attendance.
Enrolment in the Preschool Plus program occurs via referral pathways available through an internally-led referral process. The OECD works with the Department for Child Protection (DCP) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to identify children who would benefit from Preschool Plus.
You will be approached by the OECD if an eligible child is matched with your service.
Benefits for services
Partner services offering Preschool Plus receive additional funding including:
- double the universal preschool teaching and learning allocation at SEIFA 1 rate
- Ready Set Preschool funding (previously Outreach funding) per Preschool Plus enrolment
- additional Preschool Boost funding for more developmental supports
- free Trauma-informed Practice coaching and implementation support.
Preschool Plus Implementation Guide
The Preschoool Plus Implementation Guide provides practical guidance to support partner services implement Preschool Plus.
It includes important information around:
- Preschool Plus access pathways
- preparing for commencement
- supporting ongoing participation
- managing changes to Preschool Plus participation.
It should be read in conjunction with the relevant Policy and Funding Guide.
Preschool Plus fee relief calculator
The Preschool Plus fee relief calculator is used to estimate the Preschool Plus fee relief contribution and fortnightly out-of-pocket costs for families.
This calculator is not to be shared with families but used internally by your service.
Talking to families about Preschool Plus
There are a range of materials you can use to help you talk with families about Preschool Plus and explain the benefits for their child.
- Preschool Plus fact sheet for families - a quick explainer for families about the program.
- Universal 3-year-old preschool fact sheet - a quick explainer of 3-year-old preschool and benefits it provides for children.
Funding
If you are participating in Preschool Plus, you are also eligible for Ready Set Preschool funding.
Learn more about Ready Set Preschool.
Where can I get more information?
Speak with your Local Team about Preschool Plus.