Starting preschool is a big milestone for children and their parents. Whether your child is excited, unsure, or somewhere in between, figuring out how and when to begin can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks down the essentials for families across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter – including when to start, how preschool works, what it costs, and what to look for in a quality early learning environment.
What is preschool – and is it different from daycare?
Preschool in NSW is an early learning program for children aged 3 to 5, focused on supporting development and preparing children for school through play-based learning, social interaction, and routine.
In the Newcastle and Hunter region, preschool is offered in a few different settings:
- Community preschools – often not-for-profit and open during school terms and hours
- Long day care centres – open longer hours, year-round, and provide integrated preschool programs
- Family day care – small group care provided in an educator’s home
All settings are regulated and required to meet National Quality Standards. The key differences often come down to operating hours, group size, and structure – but many families choose long day care for the flexibility it offers alongside a strong preschool program.
When can my child start preschool?
Most children begin preschool 1-2 years before they start kindergarten. Some services also offer preschool programs for 3-year-olds.
There’s no single “right” time – every child develops at their own pace. Some families choose to begin earlier for socialisation or routine, while others wait until the year before school.
How to find a preschool near you
With more than 100 early learning services across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter, it helps to narrow your options by asking:
- Do I need school hours or longer care?
- How many days per week will suit my child and our family?
- Do I prefer a centre close to home, work, or an older sibling’s school?
Booking a tour is one of the best ways to see if a service is the right fit. You’ll get a feel for the environment, meet educators, and see how children spend their day.
What does preschool cost – and is funding available?
The cost of preschool can vary depending on the type of service and your family’s eligibility for government support.
- The NSW Government’s Start Strong program provides up to 600 hours of subsidised preschool per year for eligible families.
- Families using long day care may also be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can significantly reduce fees based on income and activity levels.
Many services offer both types of funding support, which helps make preschool more accessible for local families.
What to look for in a great preschool program
Every child is different – but quality early education tends to include:
- Warm, qualified educators who build strong relationships with children and families
- A play-based curriculum that encourages creativity, exploration and learning
- A safe, engaging indoor and outdoor environment
- Clear communication between the service and families
- Support for your child’s social, emotional and physical development
Some families also look for centres with strong community values, cultural inclusivity, or links to local schools.
What to expect in the first few weeks
The transition to preschool is a big step – and it’s completely normal for children (and parents) to feel a mix of emotions. Some children settle in straight away, while others need a little time to feel confident.
A few tips to support your child:
- Talk positively about preschool in the lead-up
- Establish a consistent morning and goodbye routine
- Keep goodbyes short and confident
- Check in with educators about how your child is settling in
With the right support, most children adjust quickly and begin to enjoy the independence, friendships, and learning that preschool offers.
Where do I start?
Whether you’re just starting to explore options or preparing to enrol for the year ahead, there are plenty of trusted early education services across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter.
For families seeking a flexible option with a strong preschool program, St Nicholas Early Education operates a network of high-quality long day care centres across the region – blending education, care, and community to support children and their families from the very start.
As a close partner of Catholic Schools of Maitland-Newcastle, St Nicholas offers families a supported learning pathway from preschool into primary school – including *greater priority enrolment into Catholic primary schools for children enrolled at a St Nicholas centre.
You can learn more at stnicks.org.au.
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