29 January 2026

The Policy and Funding Guide for 2026 delivery has been updated, effective from 19 January 2026.

Key changes include the introduction of the Targeted child subsidy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children, with detailed information on funding, eligibility, spending rules, and payment arrangements.

The changes are summarised as follows:

1. Amendment to Funding streams (pages 33-34)
2. Funding (page 40)
3. Glossary (page 47)
4. Appendix 1 – Funding summary 2026 (page 50)
5. Appendix 3 – Data and reporting (pages 53-56)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are eligible for the subsidy where they are enrolled in the preschool program in the year before full time school (4-year-old preschool).

This subsidy will directly advantage the child to which the subsidy applies through a reduction in fees for the family and will be paid on eligible confirmed Term 1 enrolments.

The updated Policy and Funding Guide (version 1.2) is now available on the Office for Early Childhood Development website.

Hosting student placements? Let’s elevate the experience – together!

The Flying Start Pathways Program offers free, hands-on support to help you create high-quality, rewarding placement experiences that benefit both your service and your Certificate III, Diploma and Bachelor students.

The Flying Start Pathways Program is a 2-hour session that will support directors, educators, teachers, and mentors through practical tools and strategies for valuable placement outcomes.

What you will gain:

• expert guidance on delivering successful high-quality placements
• mentoring frameworks to build confident, capable future educators
• coaching strategies to guide, support and inspire students
• feedback and reflection tools to enhance student learning
• clarity on placement expectations from training providers
• free resources to support students and mentors
• collaborative placement plan template to align student goals with service needs
• meaningful contribution in building confident, capable future educators

Whether you’re new to hosting students or looking to strengthen your approach, this online or face to face Flying Start Pathways Program will help you build a culture of learning, support, and excellence. The session will empower your team and shape the future workforce in early childhood education.

To register or to find out more call 1800 129 606 (select option 2) or email pathways@gowriesa.org.au

Session details:

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for long day care services wishing to partner to deliver Flying Start preschool programs from 2027 close at 5pm ACDT on Thursday 12 February 2026.

For more information, please visit our website Express interest to deliver preschool in 2027 | Office for Early Childhood Development.