Thousands more children will receive free health and development checks this year as the Minns Labor Government delivers a record $9.8 million in participation grants for early learning services across the state amid soaring demand.
The expansion of the grants program for 2026 brings Labor's total investment to $23 million since the program began in 2023, providing 3,189 grants that have enabled more than 30,000 children to access the free checks.
In the fourth and largest round of the Health and Development Participation Grant Program, more than 1,400 preschools and long day care centres will receive grants of up to $7,500 each.
Of the grant recipients, 1,040 are early learning services in metropolitan Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, and a further 388 are in regional and remote NSW. A record 67 are public preschools.
There are two categories of grants available for preschools and long daycare services:
- $1,500 for staffing to support participation in the program
- $6,000 to upskill educators and teachers and purchase resources to support children's health and development.
A joint initiative of the NSW Department of Education and NSW Health, the free, opt-in checks at early learning services ensure thousands of four-year-olds receive this important check, providing their families with vital information about their development and where to access any extra support they need.
The checks include assessment of:
- physical growth, oral health and speech
- social and behavioural abilities
- gross and fine motor skills
- learning, thinking and problem-solving skills
The Health and Development Participation Grants are part of a suite of NSW Government initiatives to support all children in NSW getting the best start in life and learning, no matter their background or postcode.
As part of this work, the Minns Labor Government is delivering 100 new public preschools on public school sites across NSW by 2027.
The NSW Early Learning Commission has been established to oversee nation-leading reforms that improve transparency for families, better protect children and increase penalties for poor quality service providers.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"Health and development checks for four-year-olds give families peace of mind ahead of their child starting school, and ensure they are ready for the best possible start.
"These checks provide valuable information for a child's health and development, so families can seek and receive the additional support they may need.
"We know these checks are important to ensure children get the best start in their learning journey, and I'm proud to be expanding this successful program with a record $10 million in grants to 1,427 preschools and long daycare centres across NSW."
Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park said:
"We are making it easier for children across NSW to receive a health and development check, setting them up for a strong start at school.
"These checks are critical for tracking how a child is growing and developing, and for ensuring they have all the support they need.
"We know all families want the best start for their kids. These checks help give parents the certainty ahead of their child entering school."
Matraville Soldiers Settlement Public Preschool principal Polly Palaitis said:
"Health and development checks are vital in tracking children's milestones, identifying concerns early and ensuring they have access to information about available supports before they start school.
"The Health and Development Checks in Early Learning Services program is a wonderful initiative that provides families with the opportunity to access these checks onsite at our preschool, demonstrating our strong commitment to supporting our children, families and the wider community."
