1. Overview

Expanding Quality Access (the program) is a NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund (the Fund) grant program.

The principal objective of the Fund is to increase participation in the State’s workforce, particularly for women, by making quality childcare more affordable and accessible.

These are the guidelines for the Expanding Quality Access Program Round 1. The guidelines outline the program’s objectives, purpose, key dates, selection criteria, assessment of applications, funding streams, allocations and payments, delivery, monitoring and reporting, service changes and information for support.

These program guidelines form part of the Funding Agreement  with each recipient funded under the program.  An applicant for, or a recipient of, funding under the program must comply with the current version of the program guidelines available on the NSW Department of Education (the department) website.

1.1 Objectives

The objectives of the Expanding Quality Access program are to:

• improve access to quality and affordable early childhood education and care (ECEC) for NSW children, particularly in underserved communities
• expand ECEC options that meet diverse family needs across age groups, and
• increase workforce participation, particularly among women, in work and/or study by increasing access to extended weeks or hours of ECEC from quality not-for-profit providers.

1.2 Purpose

Expanding Quality Access is a demand driven and non-competitive grant program. It is targeted to existing quality not-for-profit community preschools in NSW who want to transition to a quality not-for-profit centre-based day care (long day care) service model for local families who need ECEC for more weeks per year, or hours, and for different groups of non-school aged children.

1.3 Outcomes

The primary outcome of the program is for recipients to have transitioned the operations of a quality not-for-profit community preschool to a quality not-for-profit long day care service by 30 June 2028.

To meet diverse family needs across different age groups, hours, and/or weeks there are at least 3 not-for-profit long day care service models catering for different ages of children that an applicant can transition to, including:

• Model 1: non-school aged children, from birth to school aged (0-5 years old)
• Model 2: non-school aged children, from over 24 months of age to school aged (2-5 years old), or
• Model 3: preschool aged children, from 36 months of age to school aged (3-5 years old).

To improve access to ECEC for NSW children, the long day care service models 1 to 3 will need to:

• operate for the minimum operating period each year, at least 48 weeks each year, with the option of extended hours per day
• be approved and regulated under Children (Education and Care Services) National Law 2010 (NSW) (National Law) and Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (Education and Care Services National Regulations)
• be approved to administer Child Care Subsidy (CCS) under Family Assistance Law by 30 June 2028, and
• create additional places for children aged 0 to 2 years (models 1 and 2 only).

To improve access to quality ECEC for children in priority areas in NSW, a 15% loading will be applied to the total Expanding Quality Access funding allocation for a transition service located in a priority area (section 6.1).

The Expanding Quality Access program can be applied for in an open program application round. An applicant under the Expanding Quality Access program can be:

• the approved provider of an eligible community preschool, or
• an agent (third party organisation) that applies for the program on behalf of an approved provider of the eligible community preschool, with the provider’s permission.

The program is demand driven and non-competitive so its funding will be awarded to each recipient based on the assessment and order of applications received. An Assessment Panel will provide preliminary recommendation on applications to the Fund Board for final decision-making. The Fund Board is the final decision-maker, and, in all circumstances, the Fund Board’s decision is final.

A recipient under the Expanding Quality Access program will have been granted, by the Fund Board, funding under the program to use at the approved transition service to achieve the program outcomes. Funding can be expended on one or more of the activities and items listed under 3 funding streams in section 5 of these guidelines:

• capital works
• operations support, and
• transition support.

1.4 Key dates

The key dates for the Expanding Quality Access program milestones in round 1:

2. Selection criteria

To receive funding under the Expanding Quality Access program, the applicant and the community preschool applied for must meet the selection criteria:

• eligibility criteria, and
• assessment criteria.

Eligibility for the program remains at the discretion of the Fund Board consistent with the program guidelines.

2.1 Eligibility criteria

2.1.1 Service eligibility

To be eligible for funding under the program, the applicant must ensure the community preschool service applied for meets all the following criteria:

• be an approved ECEC service under the National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations
• be an existing not-for-profit community preschool funded under NSW Department of Education 2026 Start Strong for Community Preschools program, and
• hold and maintain a prescribed rating level under National Law of at least ‘Meeting National Quality Standard’.

2.1.2 Approved provider eligibility

To be eligible for the use of funding under the program, the approved provider of an eligible service must meet all the following criteria:

• be an approved early childhood education and care service provider under National Law and Children (Education and Care Services) Supplementary Provisions Regulation 2012, excluding Department of Education preschools, operating in NSW
• agree and comply with the Funding Agreement of the program
• has a ‘fit and proper’ Person with Management and Control (PMC) and nominated person/s responsible for day-to-day operations at the transition service
• be registered, or will register, with the department’s Early Childhood Contract Management System (ECCMS) and/or any other systems implemented for application assessment and/or contract management under the program.

2.1.3 Agent eligibility

To be eligible to apply and/or participate in Expanding Quality Access program on behalf of the approved provider of the eligible service under the program, the agent of an eligible approved provider must meet all the following criteria:

• be a registered or incorporated entity in Australia for a minimum of 12 months with an active registration
• hold appropriate insurance coverage such as public liability, professional indemnity and workers compensation
• provide written approval from the approved provider of the eligible community preschool to apply and participate in the Expanding Quality Access program on behalf of the provider and their transition service
• agree and be capable of complying with the Funding Agreement of the Expanding Quality Access program for the transition services, and
• be registered, or will register with ECCMS and/or any other systems implemented for application assessment and/or contract management under the program management process.

2.2 Assessment criteria

Applicants meeting Expanding Quality Access program eligibility criteria (section 2.1) will then be assessed by the program assessment panel against the program assessment criteria (sections 2.2.1, 2.2.2, and 2.2.3).

The assessment will be used to recommend applicants to the Fund Board for funding under the program based on how the applicant demonstrate readiness, capacity and capability to achieve the program outcomes (section 1.3).

Applicants will be assessed as either ‘demonstrate’ or ‘does not demonstrate’ against each criterion under 3 categories: service (section 2.2.1), financial (section 2.2.2) and community (section 2.2.3).

The service, financial and community assessment criteria apply to all 3 funding streams and all 3 long day care service models. Where a funding stream or long day care service model is specified, that criterion will only apply to the specified stream or model, and no other streams or models.

Any criteria only relevant to long day care service models 1 and 2, are specific to catering to children from 0 to 2 years old, and do not need to be demonstrated in applications for preschool aged children only.

Applicants must demonstrate all criteria relevant to the model and funding stream applied for to be recommended for funding.

Applicants will not be penalised for not demonstrating the criteria for funding streams or models which do not form a part of their application.

2.2.1 Service assessment criteria

Project plan and timeline - transition plan

• Demonstrate that the community preschool will transition to one of the 3 long day care service models by providing a detailed plan on the scope and the timing of key milestones including the transition of finances, workforce, governance, administration, regulatory and facility infrastructure
• Demonstrate that the transition to one of the 3 long day care models can be completed by 30 June 2028.

Workforce

• Demonstrate understanding and capability to deliver workforce requirements to operate one of the 3 long day care service models including the required staff ratios and qualifications to deliver extended operations of at least 48 weeks each year or extended hours per day for cohorts of children with ages ranging from 0 to 5 years, as applicable to applicants selected long day care model.

Governance

• Demonstrate an understanding of business management arrangements, procedures, and policies to deliver long day care operations.

Regulatory

• Demonstrate understanding of regulatory and administrative obligations post-transition, and give evidence of current regulatory and administrative compliance, including safe and compliant practice, such as:
  • from NSW Government departments and agencies, the NSW Early Learning Commission, Local Government, Australian Building Codes Board, and any other relevant parties, or,
  • any proposed capital works projects have received Development Application (DA) approval, or readiness to submit a DA application within 4 to 6 weeks of receipt of a successful outcome notification.

Facility and infrastructure (capital works funding only)

• Demonstrate facility suitability and upgrades needed to transition to one of the 3 long day care service models catering to cohorts of children with ages ranging from 0 to 5 years, as applicable to applicants selected long day care model.
• Demonstrate understanding of national and state planning controls, as well as best-practice design to deliver quality ECEC facilities.
• Demonstrate continued facility access and/or permission for capital works on the facility and infrastructure with evidence of ownership, availability (lease, council or school site conditions/permission) to remain long day care for 5 years or more.
• Demonstrate how the service will maintain service continuity and minimise disruption during any capital works.
• Demonstrate that capital works can commence within 6 months of outcome notification.
• Demonstrate capital works project can be completed within the period agreed in the Funding Agreement or by 30 June 2028.

Administration

• Demonstrate administrative suitability and/or plans for any required upgrades to administrative policies, procedures, software systems, and training required.

2.2.2 Financial assessment criteria

Demonstrating financial readiness, capacity and capability with accurate cost estimates and enough confirmed funding to cover all project costs if the grant is awarded considering:

Budget development and feasibility

• Demonstrate and provide a detailed budget, considered all reasonable expenses (including administrative costs, professional services, project management and contingency, among others).
• Demonstrate financial milestones for when the transition service expects to apply for, start to receive, and stop receiving different funding types including Start Strong for Community Preschool program funding, Expanding Quality Access program funding, CCS funding, Start Strong for Long Day Care funding, and any other government grants or revenue received from other sources.

Budget basis and value for money

• Demonstrate reliable project estimates and supporting documents to substantiate total project costs.
• Demonstrate reasonable costs of ECEC for local families and how the service will prepare families for CCS funding, considering the costs and administration for participating families.

2.2.3 Community assessment criteria

Demonstrates community readiness, capacity and capability for the service change and how the service will be accessible to all children and families of the service’s local community considering:

Suitability of ECEC places

• Demonstrate how the long day care service will meet the ECEC needs of the community:
  • evidence of a local need for care places for non-school aged children for at least 48 weeks of service per year, up to 12 hours per day
  • how planned childcare and preschool sessions will be allocated among different ages while prioritising 600 hours of preschool for children aged 3 to 5 years old, in the 2 years before school, and
  • the service ensures a safe and inclusive environment for children from priority cohorts including those from low-income families, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, and children with a disability.

Create ECEC places for children aged 0-2 years (long day care models 1 and 2 only)

• Demonstrate how the project will create additional places at the service beyond the current total places at the service.

Plan to attract and/or maintain enrolments

• Demonstrate how the proposed service will maintain or attract enrolments of preschool aged children especially children with additional needs, low-income families and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children while primarily offering ECEC to non-school aged children.

Wellbeing and safety

• Demonstrate that the needs, wellbeing and safety of all children, maintenance of quality care, and staff wellbeing have been considered in delivery of proposed activities, such as demonstration of a robust risk management process and incident management process.

3. Applications

To be considered for funding, applicants must apply in the advertised round under the program before the closing date (section 1.4 key dates). All applications must be submitted via SmartyGrants by the applicant. The application form will be available and communicated as soon as applications open February 2026.

Compliant applications will be assessed against the Expanding Quality Access program selection criteria to be recommended for funding to the Fund Board, the decision-maker for the program. Only the Fund Board can approve funding recipients under Expanding Quality Access program.

Applying does not guarantee funding under the program.

3.1 Application submission

Applicants for the program will be required to complete an application on SmartyGrants.

Applications must be submitted via SmartyGrants. The application form link in SmartyGrants will be available and communicated when applications open in February 2026.

Applicants for the program will be asked to detail the proposed activities to be undertaken at the transition service and required supports for transition, and which of these supports will be funded by the program.

Applicants:

• must register to use the SmartyGrants application system. Registration is a free and straightforward process
• must fully complete the application to be considered for funding. Changes can only made to an application before submitted. Changes or late applications and documentation may not be accepted, unless otherwise agreed with the Fund Board
• must provide all evidence listed in the application to support funding under one or more of the available funding streams
• may submit applications for multiple ECEC services, however a separate application form must be completed for each individual service
• note that approved the transition services can only be funded once under the program round. Multiple applications for a service granted funding under the program may be declined.

3.2 Application evidence

Applicants will be required to provide a range of evidence and supporting documents in their application relevant to each funding stream (section 5) and long day care service model.

The application evidence will also be used to inform funding allocations (section 6) and for the assessment of the applications against the selection criteria (section 2).

Provided evidence and applications may also be considered in the evaluation of the program (section 9).

3.2.1 Capital works evidence

Applicants applying for capital works will be required to include and/or provide the following evidence:

• comprehensive budget breakdown listing each expense item (excluding GST) related to the proposed capital works,
• at least 2 quotes prepared by a licensed contractor for the total costs of all budget line items (excluding GST) in the comprehensive budget breakdown related to the proposed capital works, and
• professional plans and/or drawings prepared by a licensed building practitioner or contractor of the proposed capital works where relevant.

3.2.2 Operational support evidence

Applicants may be provided with standardised tools to help them calculate funding for operational support. Any available tools will be communicated on the department’s website in early 2026.

Applicants will also need evidence to support the level of operational support funding applied for:

• payslips, ledgers, award agreement details and/or employment contract which provide details of hours work, pay rates
• monthly rosters, timesheets and/or attendance records which provide details of total hours contracted and worked per year
• recent utility bills and/or invoices, statements of providers and/or payment records which provide details of current utility expenses (ex GST) before transition
• recent invoice or rent receipt from landlord or property manager for the transition service address
• current signed lease agreement or tenancy contract for the transition service address, and
• if applicable, lease renewal or extension letter for the transition service address.

Evidence provided for operational support at time of application may be assessed and benchmarked against available measures in the department.

3.2.3 Transition support evidence

Applicants applying for staff training support will be required to include and/or provide the following evidence:

• training breakdown of the list of training activities and courses, name of course, purpose of the training, rationale of how the training will support transition and estimated costs (ex GST) for each training course, and
• at least one quote for each proposed training activity (ex GST).

Applicants applying for software, IT and digital upgrades will be required to include and/or provide the following evidence:

• breakdown of the list of software, IT and digital upgrades required, the purpose of each item, the rationale for how these item upgrades will support transition and estimated costs (ex GST) for each item upgrade, and
• at least 2 quotes provided for each software, IT and digital upgrade (ex GST).

Applicants applying for resources and equipment will be required to include and/or provide the following evidence:

• breakdown of the list of additional resources and equipment required (not currently available at the transition service), the purpose of each resource and equipment, the rationale for how these additional resources and equipment will support transition (i.e. additional hours and/or additional non-school aged places) and estimated costs (ex GST) for each item, and
• at least one quote provided for each additional resource and equipment (ex GST).

4. Application assessment

The program has a demand driven (first in, first served), but non-competitive assessment process. To be considered, applicants need to provide a comprehensive application and transition plan that will be evaluated by an assessment panel against the selection criteria (section 2).

The selection criteria will be used to evaluate applications by the assessment panel to determine which applications are recommended to receive funding approval by the Fund Board that is the decision-maker for the program, providing final approval of all grant awards. The decision-maker’s decision is final in all circumstances.

During the assessment process, assessment panel members may request additional evidence, information and any required consents from the applicant. Failure to provide the requested evidence/ information, and/or consent within the timeframe specified by the assessment panel may result in the application being unsuccessful.

The applicant may be asked to consent to the assessment panel verifying whether there have been any previous denials of education and care funding from the department or the Fund in relation to the proposed initiative, or a similar or related initiative. Consideration may also be given to information gathered through regular operations, including publicly available regulatory performance and compliance history.

The assessment panel may at their discretion, request information from other NSW Government agencies or other third parties, such as probity advisors, to assist in assessing applications.

4.1 Assessment process

The assessment of applications received are undertaken by an internal assessment panel (section 4.2). The assessment process has several steps.

4.1.1 Completeness checks

All complete applications received before the relevant closing date will be assessed for completeness. Where applications contain minor omissions or inaccuracies, the department may contact applicants to request clarifications or corrections. This will be managed on a case-by-case basis at the department’s discretion.

4.1.2 Assessment against selection criteria

The assessment panel will assess applications independently against the selection criteria (section 2.2). The assessment panel will allocate an outcome of demonstrates/does not demonstrate for each selection criteria.

4.1.3 Due diligence checks

Following the assessment against the program’s selection criteria (section 2), the Expanding Quality Access program team will undertake due diligence checks on the shortlisted applicants.

This process supports transparent and equitable decision-making by identifying any risks not captured through the assessment criteria and ensuring that funding recommendations are appropriate, responsible, and aligned with the objectives of the program.

Due diligence checks include (but are not limited to):

• verification of legal status, registration (Australian Business Number), and governance structures
• review of financial viability, solvency, and financial management history such as:
  • up to date financial reporting and publicly available financial statements in the past 2 years
  • financially solvent and not under external administration, liquidation or bankruptcy
• examination of compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements, including any enforcement actions, sanctions, investigations or conditions that could impact delivery. e.g workplace health and safety, anti-discrimination, privacy and environmental laws
• assessment of historical performance and delivery of previous projects funded by the Fund or the department, such as:
  • timely delivery of contracted projects and achievement of key milestones
  • submission of all required documentation, six monthly reporting, and acquittals within required timeframes
  • overdue projects funded by the department and whether extensions have been requested and approved
• ongoing compliance with service approval requirements and regulatory standards, including no prior non-compliance issues during past compliance check and reviews
• checks against relevant government registers or watchlists (e.g. ASIC, ACNC)
• consideration of any known reputational risks, conflicts of interest, or issues that may impact program delivery, and
• consideration of the risk management process and incident management process are reported and address.

The outcomes of the due diligence process will be shared with the assessment panel to inform the assessment panel’s final funding recommendations. Where risks are identified, additional conditions may be applied in Funding Agreement, or applications may not proceed. Poor performance or high-risk findings may also result in the Fund Board’s decision to withdraw funding during the program period.

4.1.4 Assessment panel recommendations

In this step the assessment panel undertakes a final review of all shortlisted applications and recommends applications to submit to the Fund Board for approval.

In this stage the assessment panel:

• consolidates the outcomes of the eligibility checks, assessment against criteria and due diligence checks
• establish a final merit-based binary outcome of each application, ensuring alignment with program objectives, and
• provide evidence-based recommendations to support transparent and accountable decision-making.

In preparing final recommendations, the assessment panel will:

• order recommended applications based on the order applications were submitted only within the respective round being assessed, because this is a demand driven grant, that is first in first served, with funds only available until exhausted
• overall assessment determination and the extent to which each application meets the program’s objectives
• the applicant’s demonstrated capacity, capability, and risk profile.

The final recommendations of the assessment panel will be submitted for approval to the Fund Board.

4.2 Assessment panel

Assessment panel members are appointed based on their expertise and experience in the ECEC sector, program evaluation, project implementation and financial delegation where applicable.

The assessment panel will consist of NSW Department of Education PSSE Band 1 Director - unless the Fund Board amends and publishes revised program guidelines. The assessment panel will consist of 4 panel members, and 3 of the panel members must be present to form a quorum, unless the Fund Board amends and publishes revised program guidelines.

The assessment panel members are required to disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that may arise during the assessment process which relate to applications received. If a conflict of interest arises it will be managed in accordance with the applicable Codes of Ethics and Conduct, including for NSW Government Sector Employees.

4.3 Assessment outcome and notification

All applicants will be advised of the outcome of the application for Expanding Quality Access program funding in writing (section 1.4 key dates) for expected timeframes.

There is no appeal process for the program outcome. Applicants can request feedback on their application via email to ecec.eqa@det.nsw.edu.au.

Relevant information about grants awarded will be published on the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder. This will include Expanding Quality Access grant funding information, including program details, recipient information and funds awarded to the recipient.

5. Funding streams and spending rules

Recipients under the program will receive funding to transition the approved service to 1 of 3 long day care service models, offering ECEC for at least 48 weeks each year, and/or with extended hours per day:

• Model 1: non-school aged children, from birth to school aged (0 - 5 years old)
• Model 2: non-school aged children, from over 24 months of age to school aged (2 - 5 years old), or
• Model 3: preschool aged children, from 36 months of age to school aged (3 - 5 years old).

Funding must be used at an approved transition service on the activities and items listed in a recipient’s individual Funding Agreement (which includes these program guidelines), and must include one or more of the activities and items listed under 3 funding streams:

• capital works
• operations support
• transition support

5.1 Capital works funding

Applicants can apply for funding at the transition service for the capital works necessary to transition to one of the long day care service models 1 to 3.

Examples of capital works activities:

• New build: funding to build a long day care service on vacant land or convert an existing property (which is not an ECEC centre) to a long day care service.
• Extension work: extending footprint of the existing building to create one or more compliant nursery, baby and toddlers’ room, nappy change room, preschool and/or childcare room for children aged 0 to 5 years old.
• Fit out: funding to fit out an existing space into a compliant nursery, baby and toddlers’ room, nappy change room, preschool and/or childcare room for children aged 0 to 5 years old.
• Internal wall modification: funding to remove or reposition walls to increase unencumbered space of an existing room to create a compliant open and safe baby and toddlers’ room, and/or a preschool and/or childcare room for children aged 0 to 5 years old.
• Nappy change facilities: funding to install a nappy change station with the appropriate washing and sinks for children aged 0 to 2 years old and ensure it is accessible and visible from play area.
• Access improvements for prams: funding to create pram accessible entry points or ramps, widening doors for emergency access and pram movement.
• Bathroom facilities: funding to install child size toilets and hand basins, upgrading bathrooms to meet compliance with hygiene and child standards for children aged 0 to 2 years.
• Lighting, heating, electrical upgrades: funding to install appropriate lighting suitable for babies and toddlers, adding power outlets with child-safe covers, upgrading heating and ventilation systems to ensure proper temperature control for children aged 0 to 2 years old.
• Furniture and/or fittings for babies and toddlers: funding to purchase cots and sleeping mattresses that meet safety standards, rocking chairs, soft play mats and baby gates to ensure safe environment for children aged 0 to 2 years old.
• Laundry facilities: funding to install laundry equipment such as front-loading washing machine, shelves and cabinets for laundry storage, laundry sinks and appropriate laundry access to meet the needs and requirements for children aged 0 to 2 years old.
• Kitchen/ food preparation: funding to add a kitchen and install hand wash sinks and food preparation sinks, benchtops, cupboards for food storage, oven and stovetop, fire safety equipment and electrical and plumbing for the transition to a centre-based long day care.
• Additional staff rooms/office space: funding to add a staff room and/or new office space with expanded amenities for additional staff and longer operational hours for the transition to a centre-based long day care.
• Upgrades to enhance quality: funding for upgraded learning and care spaces such as painting and installing child-friendly shelving, storage improvement, installation of higher quality ventilation systems, upgrade to soft fall material in outdoor play spaces, upgrading shade sails for increase sun protection.
• Outdoor environment changes: funding to install appropriate fencing and separation, childproof gates, replacement of hard surfaces to soft fall surfacing, shade sails or pergola, and/or modification to outdoor access and bottle-feeding zone to ensure safe and appropriate outdoor environment for children aged 0 to 5 years old.
• Outdoor environment expansion: expanding existing outdoor area to meet outdoor space requirements and add separate play zones across different age cohort for children aged 0 to 5 years old.
• Car park expansion: expanding existing car park to increase car park places for additional places created for children aged 0 to 5 years old.

Applicants proposing capital works must note the following:

• applicants will need to provide a budget breakdown of required items and/or activities.
• any proposal for capital works must:
  • align with the overall objectives of the program
  • be supported by quotes and/or invoices
  • be carried out by a qualified builder/licensed repairer
  • include professional plans prepared by a licensed building practitioner
  • be compliant with the National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations and compliant with the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010 (NSW)
  • be compliant with the NSW childcare planning guidelines.
• recipients of capital works funding must have a minimum remaining lease term of five years, where applicable.
• capital works will only be funded where they can be reasonably expected to commence within 6 months of accepting the Funding Agreement and completed within the period agreed in the Funding Agreement or by 30 June 2028, whichever occurs later.
• funding for capital works will be paid in milestone(s) based on the approved capital works project.
• applicants may invest in additional space to ensure they meet unencumbered space regulations after undertaking any capital works changes. After works, premises need to comply with the relevant regulations and NSW childcare planning guidelines.

5.2 Operations support funding

Applicants can apply for operations support funding at the transition service for the period ahead of operating a long day care service funded under CCS.

Operations support funding must be used by recipients for approved operating costs at the transition service that are necessary to transition to one of the long day care service models 1 to 3. Example activities include:

• Workforce supports:
  • for staff employed at the transition service for additional hours required in transition (e.g., educator, or administrative staff on transition related duties), and
  • 10% of the Award/s rates of staff employed at the transition service. This funding may be escalated to reflect the award each year.
• Utility expenses: funding to cover the incremental increase in utility bills directly related to the additional weeks and non-school aged children required for transition. Examples include:
  • increased costs in electricity expenses due to increase use in kitchen equipment, lighting and appliances from the longer operational weeks
  • increased in water bills to cater from longer operational weeks and additional non-school aged places, and
  • increased in waste management from nappy changes and food waste for addition of 0 to 2 years old children.
• Additional rent expenses: if the transition service’s existing lease requires changes to support transition operations including additional weeks, more lease space, under the same service approval, or more lease hours, operational funding can be used to cover any increase on existing rent resulting from these transition activities.

5.3 Transition support funding

All applicants can apply for once off transition support funding of up to $151, 250 per transition service.

Transition support funding will be a set amount determined by the Fund Board for use at the transition service for the period ahead of operating a long day care service funded under CCS.

Transition support funding to assist with costs of necessary transition activities, including:

• Staff training: funding to cover staff training and professional development costs directly related to transition to a long day care. Examples include:
  • training for the use of new digital software to manage enrolments and rostering from transitioning to a long day care model
  • training to meet National Law requirements and receive certificates related to first aid qualifications, child protection, food handling from transitioning to a long day care model, and/or
  • staff training on new procedures required by transitioning to a long day care model.
• Software, IT and digital upgrades: one off funding to cover new software and any IT/digital upgrade costs directly related to the transition to a long day care model. Examples include any costs for new and/or upgrades to software that is compatible with CCS administration.
• Resources and equipment: funding for to purchase new resources and equipment not currently available at the service, directly related to transition. Examples include:
  • purchase of additional educational materials
  • purchase of new tablets or computers to support administrative functions of the service, and/or
  • purchase of age-appropriate resources and materials.
• Relocation costs: funding for relocation of suitable premise where the applicant can demonstrate how the transition service will be operating a long day care by 30 June 2028.

5.4 Unfunded items and activities

The program does not fund activities or items that are not explicitly provided for in the recipient’s application and approved under the Funding Agreement for the service.

Unfunded activities and/or items may include:

• activities and/items that do not align with program objectives or support the service to meet the requirements of the guidelines
• initiatives that have at the time of assessment of the application, been started or completed (that is, retrospective funding)
• activities and/or items already funded through another source that is, where another grant is funding the same element/s (for example, another Australian or NSW Government grant program)
• activities in contravention of the Funding Agreement
• operational, quality uplift and support expenses related to activities that do not directly relate to the transition to a long day care, and
• capital works that:
  • do not maintain quality of existing service provision ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for children
  • relates to repairs and maintenance of existing structures (e.g. minor structure repairs, fixing safety hazards, replacing playground equipment)
  • does not comply with Education and Care Services National Regulation and National Law and/or Local Government building requirements and the Australian Building Codes Board
  • are non-essential to the premises or property, including decorative, comfort, superficial, cosmetic or luxury
  • include expenses related to the purchase of land or property, and/or
  • include items that pose high risk to a child’s safety.

6. Funding allocations

A total of $100 million from the Fund has been made available for the program. This includes grant funding, program administration and evaluation costs.

Recipients may only be allocated funding to use at each approved service once.

Funding allocations will be informed by the following:

• the value and duration of the approved activities
• the amount requested
• evidence provided in the application (section 3)
• department data or evidence for similar activities or projects to benchmark costs
• department data on supply and demand
• department data of current funding to the service
• cost and pricing data for market comparison
• available CCS data or information from the Australian Government, and
• funding available under the program.

While applicants may apply for specific amounts of funding, funding allocations and payments will be determined by the Fund Board.

The Fund Board’s determination of funding allocations per transition service granted to recipients under the program are final and cannot be contested.

6.1 Priority area loading

A transition service located in a priority area listed in section 6.1.1 may receive an additional 15% loading on its total funding allocation. The additional loading is applied to support access to quality ECEC in undersupplied areas.

The boundaries of the priority areas are based on the 2021 ABS Australian Statistical Geography Standard Statistical Area Level 3 (SA3). Read more about SA3 areas on the ABS website. The priority area boundaries are where there is an identified undersupply of ECEC places for non-school aged children using the department’s supply and demand data, that is informed by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) Independent Market Monitoring Review (IMMR).

6.1.1 Priority areas

To be eligible for the priority area loading the transition service must be in 1 of the 54 listed priority SA3 areas (the SA3 codes are listed alongside the area):

• 10901 - Albury
• 12501 - Auburn
• 11901 - Bankstown
• 10301 - Bathurst
• 11501 - Baulkham Hills
• 11601 - Blacktown
• 11602 - Blacktown - North
• 12401 - Blue Mountains
• 10501 - Bourke - Cobar - Coonamble
• 12701 - Bringelly - Green Valley
• 10502 - Broken Hill and Far West
• 12301 - Camden
• 12302 - Campbelltown (NSW)
• 11902 - Canterbury
• 10402 - Coffs Harbour
• 10701 - Dapto - Port Kembla
• 11502 - Dural - Wisemans Ferry
• 11801 - Eastern Suburbs - North
• 12702 - Fairfield
• 10201 - Gosford
• 11301 - Griffifth - Murrumbidgee (West)
• 11903 - Hurstville
• 11002 - Inverell - Tenterfield
• 10703 - Kiama - Shellharbour
• 11904 - Kogarah - Rockdale
• 10302 - Lachlan Valley
• 10303 - Lithgow - Mudgee
• 12703 - Liverpool
• 10601 - Lower Hunter
• 10902 - Lower Murray
• 12503 - Merrylands - Guildford
• 11603 - Mount Druitt
• 11103 - Newcastle
• 10304 - Orange
• 12403 - Penrith
• 10804 - Port Macquarie
• 10603 - Port Stephens
• 10102 - Queanbeyan
• 12404 - Richmond - Windsor
• 11201 - Richmond Valley - Coastal
• 12602 - Ryde - Hunters Hill
• 11401 - Shoalhaven
• 10104 - South Coast
• 11402 - Southern Highlands
• 12405 - St Marys
• 11004 - Tamworth - Gunnedah
• 11302 - Tumut - Tumbarumba
• 11203 - Tweed Valley
• 10604 - Upper Hunter
• 10903 - Upper Murray exc. Albury
• 11303 - Wagga Wagga
• 10704 - Wollongong
• 10202 - Wyong
• 10106 - Young - Yass

7. Funding payments

All recipients will be required to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Fund Board. The Funding Agreement will outline, among other things:

• funding amount/s
• terms and conditions of funding
• timing of payments
• that the program guidelines from part of the Funding Agreement
• record keeping, reporting and acquittal requirements.

Recipients should not enter a contract or commence any works proposed in an application until a Funding Agreement has been signed.

Recipients who are offered a grant and proceed with works prior to signing the Funding Agreement do so at their own risk. The Fund may not fund projects that have commenced before the Funding Agreement has been signed and will not fund completed projects.

7.1 Payment of funds

Funding allocations and payments are subject to recipients entering into a Funding Agreement with the Fund Board.

Program funding allocations and payments will be outlined in the Funding Agreement for each recipient and are subject the requirements of the Funding Agreement being met.

Payments and allocations will be communicated though funding allocation letters.

In general:

• operational support funding will be paid quarterly
• capital costs will be paid upon completion of project milestones, and
• transition support funding may be either a one-off payment or quarterly payments.

The timing of payments is at the discretion of the Fund Board.

Recipients will be required to provide a full account and acquittal for how awarded funding has been spent. Further details are available in section 8.

7.2 Unspent funds

Funding recipients are required to spend the allocated funding within the approved funding period outlined in their Funding Agreement. If there are unspent funds at the end of the approved funding period, the Fund Board may require the recipient to return any unspent funds. The unspent funds will be reported and reviewed in a yearly acquittal process.

Unspent funds may only be retained with formal approval from the CEO Fund Board, and in accordance with the Terms and Conditions.

8. Delivery, monitoring and reporting

As a condition of the program funding, recipients must enter into and comply with the Funding Agreement, including these guidelines and program delivery, monitoring and reporting requirements. Throughout the project delivery, recipients will be responsible for the following:

• entering into a Funding Agreement with the Fund Board within 4 weeks of a successful outcome letter
• maintaining a prescribed rating level under National Law of at least ‘Meeting National Quality Standard’
• undertaking the program activities within timeframes agreed in the Funding Agreement
• submitting progress reports and required supporting evidence (e.g. invoices, photos, reports) upon completion of the agreed milestones, on a quarterly basis, or periodically in accordance with the Funding Agreement
• meeting any cost or quote increases or any unforeseen expenditures through self-contribution throughout project lifecycle
• registering in ECCMS to access a range of program related information including funding allocations, payments, reporting, terms and conditions, funding specifications, documentation and maintain provider records
• submitting acquittals report within the timeframes agreed upon in the Funding Agreement (section 8.1)
• submitting notification form to the NSW Early Learning Commission within the required timeframe for any changes to the service as part of the program – examples of changes include to the days or hours of operations, encumbered/unencumbered space from capital works (if applicable), and to the ages of children served
• applying for CCS approval to operate under the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth)
• submitting a final report and required supporting evidence (e.g. CCS approval lodgement form, NSW Early Learning Commission notification lodgement, Occupancy Certificate, photos) for the completion of the project, in accordance with the Funding Agreement
• recipients must not engage in a contract or commence any works proposed in the application until a Funding Agreement has been executed. Recipients who commence work prior to executing a Funding Agreement do so at their own risk, and
• for capital works over $100,000 ex GST:
  • design and display appropriate signage at service site to acknowledge NSW Government funding. Signage design should be in line with Funding Acknowledgement Guidelines for NSW Government infrastructure grants
  • liaise with the Expanding Quality Access program team on events such as openings, and erecting signage for projects.

8.1 Monitoring and reporting

As a condition of the program funding, recipients must comply with project monitoring and reporting requirements such as:

• submitting milestone progress reports and required evidence when milestones have been met. Payments will not be released without a satisfactory milestone report
• advise the department of any proposed project changes (relating to time, cost and project scope) by informing the department in writing. Any changes must be assessed and approved by the department
• provide copies of contracts, receipts and/or invoices when requested, and
• follow acquittal processes as indicated by the department.

Other evidence required will depend on funded activities but may include progress updates with quantitative data (for example, service utilisation rates, child and family demographics, any relevant approvals, before-and-after photos, itemised invoices) and/or qualitative data (for example, feedback from participating families, participating services and local communities). Contracted providers may also be required to provide a risk assessment regarding program delivery as outlined in individual Funding Agreements.

8.2 Delivery, monitoring and reporting noncompliance

Failure to comply with or complete the delivery, monitoring and reporting requirements in the Funding Agreement (including the program guidelines) may result in funding being placed on hold, the recipient being ineligible to receive any future funding and the Fund Board terminating the Funding Agreement.

Recipients should note the program guidelines may be updated or amended at any time. This will be in response to continuous program improvement or where further clarity is required. Changes to the program guidelines do not need to be made in consultation with the ECEC sector and remain at the discretion of the Board. Any changes will be communicated.

8.3 Delays or extensions in program delivery

Recipients should ensure all funded and required activities are completed by 30 June 2028 or within an agreed timeframe set out in the Funding Agreement, including CCS approval. Additional time may be considered for necessary regulatory and/or local council approvals.

Any requests for extension to the project timeframes will be considered in accordance with the provisions in the Funding Agreement.

To request extensions, recipients must:

• contact the Expanding Quality Access team at the department immediately via email to ecec.eqa@det.nsw.edu.au when they identify that they may not meet the timeframes for project delivery
• provide detailed written evidence that explain the reason for the delay, and
• provide evidence that demonstrates completion of the project within the additional time requested.

Significant timeframe extensions may not be approved. Excessive delays may ultimately result in the Board recommending withdrawal of the funding commitment and terminating the Funding Agreement.

8.4 Program completion

Recipients are required to comply with the below timeframes:

• transition to a compliant, operating long day care, primarily offering ECEC to non-school aged children must be complete by 30 June 2028 or within the agreed timeframe set out in the Funding Agreement
• to receive agreed final milestone payments for grants provided under the program, the recipient will be required to provide evidence that they have obtained or at least applied for amendment to service approval and applied for service approval to administer CCS and to operate as a long day care service, and
• if the service approval and/or service approval amendment have not yet been granted when claiming the final milestone payment, recipients are required to promptly take all necessary steps to reach a successful approval/approval amendment outcome on their application. This may include the submission of requested documents within designated timeframes.

Recipients who are concerned about meeting the project timeframes can contact the Expanding Quality Access team at ecec.eqa@det.nsw.edu.au or 1800 619 113 (toll free) prior to submitting their application to discuss their project timeline.

For further information on the Approvals Process please visit the Service approval or contact the NSW Early Learning Commission on 1800 619 113 (toll free) or by emailing ececd@det.nsw.edu.au.

For further information on applying for CCS funding, please visit the CCS guidance on application on the Commonwealth government website before applying for CCS funding here or by emailing ccshelpdesk@education.gov.au.

The Fund Board may review the timeline if there are exceptional circumstances that are beyond the recipient’s control (i.e. natural disaster, compulsory acquisition of premises), if it doesn't make the process unfair. However, recipients should be aware that timeline extensions might not be allowed, and significant delays could lead to the department suggesting to the Fund Board to withdraw the funding commitment.

8.5 Evaluation and data collection

The Fund Board will evaluate how well the program met its objectives during and after the program. This will happen in two stages.

The first stage is planned to commence in 2026 and consider the program processes to identify areas of improvement.

The second stage will evaluate the outcomes and benefits of the program, and this may occur during and after the program.

The department will lead the evaluation on behalf of the Fund Board and consult relevant internal and external stakeholders, including agency partners where appropriate, to ensure that the evaluation approach is robust, collaborative, and aligned with program objectives. Findings from the evaluation may inform improvements across the program, and future programs under the Fund.

The department will undertake data collections as part of the program’s evaluation. This can include data, information, and documentation submitted by applicants and/or recipients under the program that may be collected for the purposes of data analysis and/or evaluation. Applicants and/or recipients may be asked to participate in surveys, interviews and provide additional data in both evaluation stages.

The evaluation and data collection requirements will be communicated by early 2026 on the department’s webpage.

8.6 Access to other funding

Recipients funded under the program are responsible for ensuring the transitioned service is a long day care service eligible for CCS at the end of the Funding Agreement or by 30 June 2028. Applicants are encouraged to check the detailed CCS eligibility criteria and guidance on application on the Australian Government Department of Education website before applying for CCS funding here.

The transition service funded under Expanding Quality Access may remain eligible for Start Strong for Community Preschools program until the transition service is operating as a long day care service approved and administering CCS. Once CCS funding is approved, services will not be eligible for funding from the Start Strong for Community Preschools program. Long day care services are primarily funded under CCS and are eligible for other NSW Government funding such as Start Strong for Long Day Care funding.

9. Service changes

The Funding Agreement may be terminated if a service is closed, sold, or transferred during the period of the Funding Agreement. This decision is at the discretion of the Fund Board. The recipient may no longer be eligible to receive remaining payments for their grant funding. Recipients must contact the department as soon as a closure, sale or transfer is being considered via email to ecec.funding@det.nsw.edu.au.

Reasonable action should be taken to maintain the quality of the education and care service provision throughout the program funding period.

9.1 Transferring Service Approval

9.1.1 Transferring Approved Provider

If an approved provider (the transferring approved provider) is transferring a service approval to another approved provider (the receiving approved provider), then the transferring approved provider must do the following:

• contact the Expanding Quality Access team at the department at ecec.eqa@det.nsw.edu.au least 42 days before the transfer is to occur
• immediately contact the Expanding Quality Access team at the department at ecec.eqa@det.nsw.edu.au to confirm once the transfer has taken effect
• if a transfer occurs before the outcome notification date in these program guidelines, the transferring approved provider’s application will be withdrawn from the program.
• if a transfer occurs during the period after notification of outcomes and execution of the Funding Agreement, prior to funds being released, the receiving approved provider must comply with any direction given by the department, on behalf of the Fund Board under the Funding Agreement
• if a transfer occurs after the transferring approved provider has executed the Funding Agreement and the Fund Board has released one or more milestone payments under that Agreement:
  • The department (on behalf of the Fund Board) will give the transferring approved provider written notice of any additional financial accountabilities that require completion in accordance with the Funding Agreement for the funded period up to the service transfer effective date. A manual financial accountability form may need to be completed for this purpose. The transferring approved provider must complete any financial accountability within 14 days of the transfer of the service, unless otherwise agreed with the department.
  • The transferring approved provider must return any unspent funds, to the department within the timeframe advised by the department (on behalf of the Fund Board). The transferring approved provider must not under any circumstances transfer any unspent funds to the receiving approved provider either by way of adjustment between the transferring and receiving approved provider, or by any other means.
• the transferring approved provider must comply with any direction given by the department.
• the transferring approved provider must cease expending funding from the transfer effective date unless otherwise agreed with the department.

9.1.2 Receiving Approved Provider

There is no guarantee the receiving approved provider will receive any funding under this program.

If a transfer occurs before the outcome of the application is notified, the transferring provider’s application will be withdrawn from the program.

If an approved provider receives the transition services from a transferring approved provider after the outcome notification date in these program guidelines, the receiving approved provider is subject to an assessment of its merits against the criteria set out in these program guidelines.

The panel will assess an application from the receiving approved provider against the selection criteria (section 2). If the receiving approved provider’s application meets the selection criteria set out in these program guidelines and the Fund Board approves their application, the receiving approved provider must:

• immediately contact the department to confirm once the transfer has taken effect
• enter into the Funding Agreement with the Fund Board with the amount of funding to be determined by the in its absolute discretion, and
• confirm in writing to the department that any unspent funds will be used in accordance with the Funding Agreement.

The Fund Board does not guarantee that any unspent funds may be transferred by the transferring provider or that the receiving provider will receive further funding. The department may require the return of unspent funds from the transferring provider.

The receiving approved provider must agree to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Fund Board with the amount of funding to be determined by the Fund Board in its absolute discretion.

9.1.3 Payment of funds during transfer

If an approved provider transfers a service to another approved provider, at its discretion the Fund Board may take actions, including but not limited to, withholding funding from:

• the receiving approved provider of the service, until the transfer is effective; and
• the transferring approved provider of the service, after the transfer is initiated or after the transfer is effective in National Quality Agenda IT System (NQAITS): https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/national-quality-agenda-it-system

Note: approved providers must follow steps to comply with regulatory requirements under the National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations, including applying for service transfer to the NSW Early Learning Commission. See the Guiding principles and policies website.

9.2 Service ceasing to operate

If an eligible the transition service receives a notice to shut down, close or cease to operate or trading involuntarily suspended, prior to the date of closure, the provider must:

• contact the Expanding Quality Access team at the department ecec.eqa@det.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible and before the surrender of the service approval
• from the date of receiving a notice of closure, cease expending all funding given under the Funding Agreement
• complete all financial accountabilities up to the date of closure, as required or advised by the department. A manual Financial Accountability Statement may need to be completed for this purpose. The financial accountability must be completed within 20 days of the closure of the service, unless otherwise agreed with the department
• return all unspent funds to the department by no later than 20 days of the service closure date or as agreed by the department, and
• comply with any direction by the department under the Funding Agreement.

The Fund Board may take actions if a service has notified the department that it proposes to shut down, close or cease to operate or trade, including withholding funding for the relevant service, where that funding relates to a period after the proposed date of closure.

No funding will be provided to a service that has shut down, closed or ceased to operate or trade, in relation to the period after the date of closure.

Note: providers must follow steps to comply with regulatory requirements under the National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations, including notifying the NSW Early Learning Commission within seven days of ceasing to operate the education and care service (section 173(2)(d) of the National Law).

10. Support for applicants and recipients

10.1 Resources

A range of resources are available to support applicants and recipients under Expanding Quality Access program.

Frequently Asked Questions – Expanding Quality Access program

Our Frequently Asked Questions are available here, containing easy to read answers to questions relating to providers and services.

Other questions - Expanding Quality Access program

• Contact the Expanding Quality Access team at ecec.eqa@det.nsw.edu.au

Advice on regulatory and/or compliance and/or service ratings, contact:

• NSW ECEC Information and Enquiries team on 1800 619 113.

For assistance with SmartyGrants

•  SmartyGrants Help Guide  and Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
• Smarty Grants Support Desk
  • 03 9320 6888 between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday
    service@smartygrants.com.au.

For assistance with ECCMS

• review the ECCMs Frequently Asked Questions or contact:
• Expanding Quality Access team on 1800 619 113 (toll free) or at ecec.eqa@det.nsw.edu.au.

Information on the National Quality Standard and Quality Areas

• More information is available at: Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)

Information about myID and Relationship Authorisation Manager

Information on myID and Relationship Authorisation Manager is available on the:

• MyID website
• Relationship Authorisation Manager website

Having trouble with myID and RAM?

Support for myID and RAM is provided by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Find support on the:

Relationship Authorisation Manager website

Information on Childcare Care Subsidy (CCS) for providers

• CCS helpdesk telephone: 1300 667 276
• CCS helpdesk email: ccshelpdesk@education.gov.au

10.2 Feedback and complaints

Feedback, suggestions or complaints about the program can lodged

• To Expanding Quality Access team at ecec.eqa@det.nsw.edu.au

Alternatively:

• complete the NSW Department of Education Complaint, compliment or suggestion form and/or call 1800 619 113 and request to speak to an Expanding Quality Access team member

10.3 Access to information

The Government Information (Public Access) Act (No. 52) 2009 (NSW) provides for the proactive release of government information by agencies and gives members of the public an enforceable right to access government information held by an agency (which includes Ministerial offices). Access to government information is only to be restricted if there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.

The NSW Legislative Council has the power to order the production of State papers by the Executive Government. Standing Order 52 provides that the House may order documents to be tabled by the Government in the House. The Cabinet Office coordinates the preparation of the papers – that is, the return to order. The return to order may contain privileged and public documents. Privileged documents are available only to members of the Legislative Council.

Note that documents submitted as part of a grant application may be subject to an application under the Government Information (Public Access) Act or an order for papers under Standing Order 52

10.4 Ethical conduct

10.4.1 Conflict of interest management

Applicants are required to disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest in their application which relate to their proposed initiative, if funded. A conflict of interest, if it arises, must also be disclosed by a contracted provider during the implementation of their initiative. Conflicts of interest may relate to partnerships, third party service provisions, contractors, staff employed as a direct result of the funded program or other aspects. Further detail about how to disclose a conflict of interest can be provided on request.

10.5 Glossary

10.5.1 Agent

Refers to a third-party organisation that submits an application for the program on behalf of one or more approved providers, with evidence of authority to do so from the approved provider (section 2.1.3).

10.5.2 Applicant

Refers to either the approved provider that applies for the program, or an agent that applies for the program on behalf of the approved provider.

10.5.3 Approved provider

A person who holds provider approval as per Children (Education and Care Services) National Law 2010 (NSW) (National Law) and Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (Education and Care Services National Regulations).

A provider approval authorises the approved provider to operate an approved education and care service and an associated children’s service if the approved provider is the holder of the service approval for those services.

10.5.4 Approved number of places

In relation to a centre-based service, means the maximum number of children who can be educated and cared for by the service at any one time, stated on the service approval under sections 130 to 134 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (Education and Care Services National Regulations).

10.5.5 Assessment criteria

The criteria that the assessment panel will use to evaluate eligible applications. Refer to section 2.2.

10.5.6 Assessment process

The process and set of rules which the assessment panel will use to evaluate eligible applications against the assessment criteria and make a recommendation for funding.

10.5.7 Capital works

Capital works includes small scale refurbishments or renovations and/or larger scale works that change the structure of the premise or extend the footprint of the building, linked to the initiative being funded under this program.

10.5.8 Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps families with the costs of childcare.

Information for families: https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/providers/child-care-subsidy

Information for providers: https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/providers/howto/approval

10.5.9 Centre-based day care service

A centre-based day care service typically provides ECEC in centres with qualified educators. It is often called a ‘long day care service’. A centre-based day care are typically open at least 48 weeks each year, Monday to Friday, and cater for children from birth to school age (0 to 5 years old). Please refer to definition within Centre Based Day Care - Department of Education, Australian Government

10.5.10 Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund

A 10-year $5 billion fund established under the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Act 2022 to improve supply of, and equitable access to, affordable quality ECEC services for NSW families and children, and support and grow the ECEC workforce, with the objective to support increased economic opportunity and workforce participation, particularly for women.

10.5.11 Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Board

The NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund (the Fund) is established under the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Act 2022. The Fund Board is a statutory body with responsibility for developing strategic investment plans for the Fund, and for the administration of Fund programs, with the support of the NSW Department of Education, under a memorandum of understanding.

10.5.12 Comprehensive budget

Complete and itemised financial table that identifies all costs, income sources and funding contributions (ex GST) related to the proposed works.

10.5.13 Decision-maker

Official with the authority to approve or decline a grant application, ultimately deciding who receives funding, often after considering recommendations from assessment panel. The Fund Board is the decision-maker for Expanding Quality Access program.

10.5.14 Demand driven

Grant funding awarded on a first in, first served basis.

10.5.15 ECCMS

The Department of Education’s Early Childhood Contract Management System.

10.5.16 Early childhood education and care

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is any service that cares for children before primary school. This includes day care, childcare and preschool. The ECEC sector in NSW is responsible for providing approximately 500,000 children with quality learning experiences, helping to build crucial physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills before they start school.

10.5.17 Extended hours

For the purpose of this program only, extended hours or weeks are beyond the existing community preschool weeks or hours of operation.

10.5.18 Family Assistance Law

Family Assistance Law (FAL) sets the rules for providers that administer the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). The National Law and National Regulations outline the legal obligations of approved providers, nominated supervisors, and educators. FAL set the rules for administering CCS. FAL is a collective term that covers the legislation which is available on the Australian Government Department of Education’s website here.

10.5.19 Funding Agreement

The agreement between the Fund Board and the Expanding Quality Access program recipient, such as the approved provider and/or their agent. The Funding Agreement includes the program terms and conditions and the program guidelines.

10.5.20 Incident management process

The incident management process for early childhood education and care providers involves several key steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, educators, and staff. This incorporates reporting requirements about children as under the National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations. It also includes incident notification requirementsExternal link under the Model Work Health and Safety Act (2023) (Cth).

10.5.21 Licensed building practitioner

Qualified building professional that holds an active registration or accreditation with one or more of the appropriate bodies below:

• architects – refer to NSW Architects Registration Board
• landscape architects* – refer to the Australian Institute of Landscape architects
• surveyor – refer to NSW Board of Surveying and Spatial Information
• certifiers – refer to NSW Fair Trading NSW – Building Certifiers

* landscape architects can only prepare or certify plans and calculations for outdoor space under Regulation 108.

10.5.22 Long day care service

Please refer to the definition of centre-based day care. For the purposes of this program, long day care services should eligible under the Start Strong for Long Day Care program.

10.5.23 Milestone

A milestone is a key event in your proposed initiative that must be met before you can receive the planned payment and move to the following stage of progress. Examples of milestones are development application, regulatory approval, start/end of capital works, or application for CCS.

10.5.25 Non-competitive

Applications are individually assessed against the eligibility and assessment criteria, with funding decisions determined without reference to comparative merits of other applications.

10.5.26 NSW Early Learning Commission

The NSW Early Learning Commission regulates the ECEC sector in NSW, and monitors and supports more than 6,000 ECEC services in NSW.

10.5.27 Person with Management or Control (PMC)

Makes or participates in making decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the business of the entity; or has the capacity to significantly impact the entity's financial position.

10.5.28 Program governance

The systems and methods by which the program is defined, authorised, monitored, and supported. Governance includes the processes that guide a program and results in good management of a program through continuous oversight.

10.5.29 Recipient

Refers to the approved provider and/or their agent that have been successful in obtaining a grant award under the program and are the entities who will enter into the program’s Funding Agreement with the Fund Board.

10.5.30 Risk management process

Process that describes how an organisation identifies, assesses, manages, reports and responds to risks.

10.5.31 SmartyGrants

Grants administration system. Approved providers will use this system to complete and submit their application.

10.5.32 Transition service

Refers to the approved community preschool (ECEC service) undergoing the transition activities to operate as long day care service as agreed upon in the Funding Agreement.

10.5.33 Unspent funds

Refers to leftover grant funding that has not been spent on the agreed-upon activities in the Funding Agreement upon completion of the project.