Expression of interest to become a partner service
Expressions of interest are now open
The Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD) is seeking expressions of interest from eligible long day care services to partner with government to deliver the new model of 3-year-old preschool from 2026.
Long day care services will need to meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the draft Policy and Funding Guide.
When you partner with the OECD under the new model, you can elect to deliver the 3- and 4-year-old program, or just the 3-year-old program. For services seeking to deliver both, any existing 4-year-old preschool program funding will move to the new model and funding arrangement.
Information sessions
To learn more about the universal 3-year-old preschool expression of interest process, register for one of the information sessions below.
If you are using a mobile device, swipe across to see the full table and registration links.
| Date | Time | Title | Link to register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 November 2024 | 4.00pm to 4.30pm | Information Session - Universal 3-year-old Preschool Expression of Interest | Registration closed |
| 12 November 2024 | 10.00am to 10.30am | Information Session - Universal 3-year-old Preschool Expression of Interest | Register here |
| 26 November 2024 | 10.00am to 10.30am | Information Session - Universal 3-year-old Preschool Expression of Interest | Register here |
Sessional preschools
The roll-out of 3-year-old preschool will occur in government and other sessional preschools in line with the geographic schedule. Visit the roll-out plan to understand when your sessional service is eligible to begin delivering 3-year-old preschool.
Please note:
- Non-government sessional preschools should express their interest the year before the area their service is eligible to commence 3-year-old preschool. For example, non-government sessional preschools eligible to commence in 2028 should express interest in 2027.
- Government sessional preschools are not required to submit an expression of interest. They will continue to be centrally managed by the Department for Education working directly with the OECD.
Looking to apply for current Year Before Full Time School non-government preschool funding in 2024/2025?
For providers seeking information or to apply for the current non-government preschool funding arrangement, visit Apply for non-government preschool service provider funding.
Expression of interest process
Expressions of interest are now open until 28 February 2025.
Check your eligibility against the provider requirements in the draft Policy and Funding Guide.
Complete an expression of interest. Provide all requested documentation and evidence (for example, submission of information at a provider level plus enrolment, quality and workforce information for each service).
The OECD will advise applicants in writing in May 2025. If unsuccessful, you will receive written notification with the reasons your application was not approved.
If the OECD receives more eligible expressions of interest than are budgeted for 2026, we reserve the right to prioritise approvals based on quality and location of services.