Central Coast Childcare 2026: Costs, Subsidies & How to Apply

Childcare and Kindergarten on the Central Coast 2026

The Central Coast has a solid childcare market with long day care, family day care and preschool options across Gosford, Wyong and surrounding areas. education.nsw.gov.au

Types of Childcare on the Central Coast

• Long day care: Centre-based care for children 0-5
• Family day care: Registered home-based carer
• Preschool (NSW): For children in the year or two before Kindergarten (first year of school)
• NSW Start Strong preschool subsidy: 600 hours/year for eligible 4 year olds

What Does Childcare Cost on the Central Coast 2026?

• Long day care daily fee: $80-$145/day — more affordable than Sydney
• Family day care: $60-$105/day

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

Apply through myGov/Centrelink before your child starts. servicesaustralia.gov.au

How to Find Childcare on the Central Coast

Use startingblocks.gov.au. The Central Coast has seen growing family migration from Sydney, increasing demand in coastal suburbs (Terrigal, Avoca, Wamberal, The Entrance). Join waitlists well in advance for popular centres in coastal Central Coast areas.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.