Central Coast parents and educators have until October 14 to have their say on the NSW Government’s plan to introduce a universal pre-Kindergarten year by 2030.
The move, announced in the 2022/23 NSW Budget, is the centrepiece of the Government’s Early Years Commitment, which will also see the creation of more childcare places through the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund.
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said the public consultation around the two landmark initiatives is an important milestone in the design and development process to drive change in early childhood education.
“This is an exciting first step towards transforming early childhood education and care in NSW as we know it,” Mitchell said.
“We are calling on families and educators to provide their feedback on what they need in their local communities, and to share their views on what they want for the future of our youngest children.
“This is the initial consultation with the public, and over the next few months we will share more detailed plans for further consultation for those interested in these programs.
“I look forward to reviewing the submissions and working hard so that we have an early childhood education system that is above anything Australia has seen.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the reform will change lives and deliver enormous educational benefits for children across the state.
“We’re ensuring our youngest learners thrive by introducing a full year of preschool education before Kindergarten, as we know how important it is to have a strong educational foundation,” he said.
Find out more about the Early Years Commitment at education.nsw.gov.au/early-years-commitment and have your say on universal pre-Kindergarten.
Submissions are open until Friday, October 14.
Source:
Media release, Oct 3
NSW Government