Media release
6 December 2021
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) welcomes today’s announcement by the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government on a new funding package for preschool, the first such plan concluded under the National Preschool Reform Agreement.
‘We are very pleased to see governments investing more in early education, particularly in the vital year before school,’ said CEO Elizabeth Death.
‘The $840 million commitment, delivered over four years, will support more children on their early learning journey,’ Ms Death said. ‘The targeted funding for children who are experiencing disadvantage is also a very important element of this package.’
‘We congratulate Minister Robert and Minister Mitchell on this agreement, which reflects strong support for young children and their families from both governments.’
The new funding package in NSW will provide families with much greater choice, by providing more subsidies for preschool programs delivered in long day early learning services. Long day early learning services currently provide 80% of the preschool programs delivered in NSW.
When delivered by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher in a high-quality service, preschool programs provide the same benefits to children, regardless of the setting type (long day or standalone preschool).
‘We now look forward to the remaining states and territories announcing their own early learning investment packages,’ Ms Death said.
‘The National Preschool Reform Agreement can only be a success when every child – in every jurisdiction – is receiving the support they need in the year before school.’
