Fees and funding
How much does Sophie’s Cottage cost?
Our full fee is $119 a day. Most families pay much less after the Child Care Subsidy and NSW Start Strong fee relief. Use our fees calculator to see your own estimate.
Can I claim the Child Care Subsidy?
Yes. We are approved for the Child Care Subsidy. Families earning up to $88,520 a year receive 90%, and the percentage reduces as income rises. You apply through myGov and Centrelink.
What is Start Strong fee relief?
Start Strong is NSW Government funding that reduces preschool fees. In 2026 it is worth up to $1,783 a year for children aged 4 and over and up to $423 a year for 3 year olds. It comes off your fee each week, on top of the Child Care Subsidy. You can claim it at one service only.
How do I pay?
Fees are paid by direct debit and billed 2 weeks in arrears. A $200 bond is paid on enrolment and credited back after your final invoice is paid.
Enrolment
What ages do you take?
Children aged 3 to 6. Our Bee group is for 3 to 4 year olds and our Butterfly group is for 4 to 6 year olds.
How many days does my child need to attend?
Bee group children attend at least 2 days a week. Butterfly group children attend at least 3 days a week. Every booking includes a Monday or a Friday. We do not offer 1 day a week.
Can my child start during the year?
Yes, when a place is available. Book a tour and we will tell you which days are open. If we are full you can join the waitlist.
How do I enrol?
Book a tour, receive an offer, complete the online enrolment form, and we confirm your place. The full steps are on our 2027 enrolments page.
The day
What are your hours?
8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. We are open 52 weeks a year and close only on public holidays, so we stay open through school holidays.
What does my child need to bring?
A packed lunchbox, a water bottle, a hat and a change of clothes, all labelled with your child’s name. Please pack food that does not need heating. We ask families to leave toys at home.
Do you allow nuts?
We ask families not to pack nuts or egg, to help keep children with allergies safe.
How will I know what my child did today?
We use the OWNA app for all family communication, including updates, photos, messages and sign in and sign out.
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
Please talk to us about this on your tour. We will explain how we support children who are still learning.
About us
Where are you?
9 Sophie Street, Telopea NSW 2117, a few minutes from Dundas Valley, Dundas, Oatlands and Carlingford.
How many children and educators are there?
28 children each day with 6 educators, including two Early Childhood Teachers.
Is Sophie’s Cottage a preschool or a long day care?
We run as a true preschool for 3 to 6 year olds, with the funding and year-round opening of long day care. Read more on preschool versus long day care.
How long has Sophie’s Cottage been open?
Since 1996. Read our story.