Understanding the 2026 Health and Development Participation Grant for Early Childhood Education Providers

Early childhood education is a crucial stage in a child’s development, setting the foundation for future learning and well-being. To support early education providers in delivering high-quality care, the Health and Development Participation (HDP) Grant offers vital funding for eligible services. This funding aims to assist in the implementation of the Health and Development Checks in Early Childhood Education Program (HDC Program), a joint initiative between the Department of Education and NSW Health.

In this blog, we’ll explore what the HDP Grant is, who can apply, and how this funding supports early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers in NSW.

What is the HDP Grant?

The HDP Grant provides financial support to eligible early childhood education and care providers for the Health and Development Checks (HDC). The program focuses on offering health and development assessments to 4-year-old children, which are carried out by local health district staff in early childhood settings.

By participating in the HDC Program, providers help ensure that children’s health and development are monitored early, allowing for early interventions if needed. The HDP Grant is designed to help ECEC providers implement effective strategies that encourage children’s participation in the program and foster a strong partnership between education services and health providers.

Funding Overview

The total funding available through the HDP Grant is $7,500,000, excluding GST. This funding is sourced from the NSW Department of Education and will be distributed to eligible providers to help support the integration of the HDC Program into their existing services.

Eligibility Criteria

The HDP Grant is available to a wide range of early childhood education and care providers, including:

• Not-for-profit community preschools (centre-based)

• Not-for-profit long day care services (as identified in the National Quality Agenda IT system or upon request with sufficient evidence), including those managed by local governments

• Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Services

• Aboriginal Child and Family Centres

• Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations

• For-profit providers operating up to three long day care services (as identified in the National Quality Agenda IT system)

If your service fits within these categories and provides care to 4-year-olds, you may be eligible to apply for this funding.

What Does the HDP Grant Fund?

The HDP Grant funding will be used to support providers in implementing key strategies that enable successful partnerships with local health districts, as well as ensure children's participation in the HDC Program. This may include:

• Facilitating partnerships with local health district staff

• Integrating health and development check procedures into daily operations

• Promoting awareness among families about the benefits of the health checks

• Supporting staff training to ensure smooth implementation of the program

By utilizing this funding, early childhood education providers can play an essential role in the health and development of children, enhancing their overall educational experience.

How to Apply

The application process for the HDP Grant is straightforward, but make sure to review all eligibility criteria carefully before applying. Applications close on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, so be sure to get your application in before the deadline.

For more information on how to apply, including detailed program guidelines and application instructions, visit the official NSW Department of Education website.

Why is This Important?

The health and development of young children are key to their future success, both academically and socially. By participating in the HDC Program and securing the HDP Grant, early childhood education providers are not just meeting health requirements—they are enhancing the well-being of children and their families. This partnership between education and health services is vital for fostering a strong foundation for children’s future learning and development.

For more details and to apply, visit the NSW Department of Education’s official website and submit your application before the deadline of 3 December 2025.

This article provides general information and advice as interpreted by our company. It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional guidance. Readers should seek independent advice tailored to their individual circumstances.