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Childcare Newcastle 2026: Costs, Places & Options
Newcastle childcare guide: find long day care, family day care, kindergarten and preschool places. Compare costs, child care subsidies and NSW Start Strong options for 2026.
How we reported this
Childcare and Kindergarten in Newcastle 2026
Newcastle and the Hunter Valley have a solid childcare market with good supply of long day care, family day care and preschool options across the metropolitan area. education.nsw.gov.au
Types of Childcare in Newcastle
- Long day care: Centre-based care, typically 6:30am-6:30pm, for children 0-5
- Family day care: Registered home-based carer
- Preschool (NSW): For children in the year or two before Kindergarten (the first year of NSW school). NSW preschools include community-based, private and NSW public school preschools
- NSW Start Strong preschool subsidy: NSW funds 600 hours of preschool per year for eligible 4 year olds (and some 3 year olds)
What Does Childcare Cost in Newcastle 2026?
- Long day care daily fee: $85-$155/day, more affordable than Sydney
- Family day care: $65-$110/day
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Apply through myGov/Centrelink. servicesaustralia.gov.au
How to Find Childcare in Newcastle
Use startingblocks.gov.au. Newcastle inner suburbs (Cooks Hill, Bar Beach, Merewether, Hamilton, Islington, Mayfield) have competitive demand for quality centres, join waitlists early.
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.