Media Release
25 May 2023
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) congratulates the Victorian Government on its $1.8 billion commitment to transforming the early learning sector through a series of landmark initiatives announced this week.
The Victorian Government is currently the only state or territory offering universal three-year-old kindergarten, along with its nation-leading commitment to introduce pre-prep for four-year-olds.
CEO of ELACCA Elizabeth Death said the Victorian Government was leading the way for early learning nationally.
“This unprecedented investment in early childhood education will help to provide the best possible start for children in Victoria,” Ms Death said.
“Recognising the importance of accessibility, participation, and inclusion, the Victorian Government’s budget includes practical measures to improve access to kinder for all children and their families.
An allocation of $1.2 billion will facilitate infrastructure development, to support its goal of delivering 15 hours of three-year-old kinder by 2029 and ensuring that every four-year-old child receives 30 hours of pre-prep each week by 2032.
The 2023/24 Budget also prioritises key areas in early childhood education, including:
- $546 million to support the continued roll-out of the Best Start, Best Life reforms, encompassing Three-Year-Old Kinder and the ongoing provision of Free Kinder.
- $28 million to enhance language learning in early childhood services, fostering a rich linguistic environment for young children.
- $20 million dedicated to grants for toys and equipment, creating eight new toy libraries, supporting existing toy libraries, and funding Bush Kinder programs, promoting outdoor exploration and play.
- $18 million to expand support services for young children with disabilities, developmental delays, and additional needs, ensuring that every child receives tailored care and attention.
“ELACCA commends the Victorian Government for its leadership and commitment to investing in early childhood education. These ground-breaking reforms will have a lasting positive impact on children’s lives, families, and the wider community,” Ms Death said.
Ends.
For more information please contact:
Sally Maddison
Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA)
PO Box 348
Annandale NSW 2038
Mob: 0498 228 762
About us:
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) was established to promote the value of quality early learning and care as an integral part of Australia’s education system.
Our 19 CEO members include some of the largest early learning providers in the country, representing both not-for-profit and for-profit services. ELACCA members operate 1,984 long day care services, 310 preschool/kindergarten services and 92 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. They offer one-quarter of all the long day care places in Australia. Together, our members serve 369,776 children and their families, and employ more than 56,708 staff.
As well as promoting the value of quality early learning and the need for greater public investment, ELACCA advocates for the right of all children to access quality early learning and care, particularly children facing disadvantage. We do this by drawing on the knowledge and practical experience of our members and representing their views to decision makers in government, the media and the public.
