Communities across the state will see increases in available preschool places with the NSW Department of Education’s $13 million investment in areas of need and demand.

The 2022-23 Capital Works Grants Program supports not-for-profit organisations to build new preschool services or expand facilities to meet increased demand and population growth.

Cessnock Multipurpose Children’s Centre is one of six providers to receive a combined $13.7 million through the Major Capital Fund, which comprises grants for the creation of additional places through new builds, extensions, or renovations.

The grants will create an additional 200 licenced places across the six organisations.

East Lismore Community Pre-School Inc is one of three providers to receive a combined $5.4 million through the Crisis Fund, which ensures service continuity for providers impacted by exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.

This funding will help maintain 110 preschool places.

Glen Innes Preschool Association is one of two providers to receive a combined $83,105 through the Mobile Fund, to replace or purchase additional vehicles to cater for increased demand.

Not-for-profit organisations eligible to apply for grant funding include community preschools, not-for-profit long day care providers, existing mobile preschool service providers, councils, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, including Multifunctional Aboriginal Community Services.

More information, including opening dates of future rounds, can be found on the Department’s website.

The grants ensure all children in NSW can access quality early childhood education regardless of their location or circumstances.