ACT Free Preschool
- Quality preschool built around your schedule
- Open 50 weeks of the year - no school holiday juggle!
- Maximise your free preschool funding
How preschool works in the ACT
You want your child to access free preschool. You also need care that fits your work schedule.
Discovery House gives you both.
How ACT preschool funding works
3 Year olds - 300 hours *free Preschool
If your child turns 3 on or before 30 April, you can access up to $2,575 per year of ACT Government funding 300 hours of free preschool per year.
Discovery House is a Partner Provider. We deliver 6 hours per week over 50 weeks. Because we charge a daily rate, you'll pay for the remaining hours on those days, but your preschool funding is automatically applied to reduce your fees.
How it works
Your child is enrolled with us, and the funded preschool time is built into their day. If they stay longer, you only pay for those extra hours. Add Child Care Subsidy on top, and your out-of-pocket costs drop even further.
A university-qualified early childhood teacher delivers the program in an Exceeding rated, not for profit service.
For more details, download the program delivery factsheet for parents [PDF 575 KB].
4 Year olds: 15 hours of funded preschool
The ACT Government funds 15 hours of preschool to 4 year olds in the year before school. Most families choose a government funded preschool linked to their local primary school - this usually means 5 days per fortnight, during school terms only.
Which leaves you finding care for:
- the other days each week
- school holidays
- your actual work hours / days
That’s where Discovery House comes in.
A full preschool experience that works for working families
Discovery House offers high-quality preschool learning in a long day care setting, open 50 weeks a year.
Your child gets the same rich, play-based learning they'd receive at any preschool, guided by university-qualified teachers. The difference? We're here when you need us.
We work with you and your preschool enrolment.
If your child attends government preschool on their funded days (two days one week, three the next), we care for them on the other days. Same teachers. Same friends. Same routine. No gaps.
No school holidays to juggle.
No rushed drop-offs or early pick-ups.
Just a calm, predictable routine that works for your family.
Why families choose Discovery House
Discovery House is rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard. That rating reflects strong relationships, intentional teaching and a genuine focus on children's wellbeing and confidence.
Families choose us because we offer:
Longer hours that support working families
We're open when you need us, 50 weeks a year.
A warm, stable environment where children feel safe and known
Consistency matters. Your child builds deep connections with their teachers and friends.
A strong preschool program that prepares children for school
Play-based learning that builds confidence, curiosity and school readiness.
Care and learning under one roof, all year round
No scrambling for alternative care during holidays. Everything your child needs is here.
Many families enrol their child with us for the non-funded preschool days, knowing they'll receive the same quality education and care with added flexibility.
See the difference for yourself. The Best way to understand what makes Discovery House special is to visit.
Book a Tour today and see how our preschool program supports your child and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACT’s free preschool program?
In the ACT, families with 3-year-olds can access up to $2,575 per year in government funding to reduce preschool fees. That's 300 hours of free preschool.
Your child must be 3 years old on or before 30 April to access the program.
How do costs, fees and subsidies work?
Your 3-year-old preschool funding is allocated as a flat rate across the year, automatically reducing your fees. This funding is available to everyone, even if you don't receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
If you do receive CCS, the preschool funding is applied after CCS for an even bigger reduction in your out-of-pocket fees.
Children can enrol anytime during the calendar year and receive pro rata funding.
To access your preschool funding, simply sign the parental consent form confirming your child is enrolled in the 3-year-old preschool program at Discovery House.