2026 Start Strong Pathways

Program objective

Providers are required to deliver activities that align with at least one of the three core objectives of the program: 

• support engagement of children too young to receive a preschool education, who are aged 0-3 years, in an early years education program that provides culturally and developmentally appropriate activities (e.g. playgroups, occasional care, early learning centres, toy libraries); 

• support access to a preschool setting with an approved early childhood education and care service under the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 (National Law) and Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (National Regulations) for children who are ready to transition to these preschool settings, who are 4 years of age; or  

• promote the importance of early childhood education to parents and communities through the provision of information for early childhood education, including culturally inclusive resources. 

These activities should prioritise engagement of the following equity cohorts: 

• children with disability or additional needs 

• Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander children 

• children from low-income families 

• children from a culturally or linguistically diverse background 

• children who are at risk of significant harm (from a child protection perspective) 

• children from socially isolated families  

(together, Equity Cohorts). 

This program is administered by Department of Education.

Grant recipients

Recipients for this program were selected to meet the program objectives.

Eligible recipients were invited to participate and were required to meet the objectives.

Support and contact