South Australia is at the forefront of providing optimal care and education for its young children, with significant strides being made through the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.
Established in 2022, the commission’s primary focus is on the critical first 1000 days of a child’s life, recognizing that 90% of brain development occurs before the age of five. Led by the Honorable Julia Gillard AC, its mandate was to investigate family support systems during this crucial period, the feasibility of universal preschool programs for three- and four-year-olds, and accessibility to out-of-school-hours care at both preschool and primary school levels.
In August 2023, after thorough examination, the commission presented its findings along with 43 recommendations to the State Government. Notably, South Australia has committed to implementing all recommendations, thereby positioning itself as a national pioneer in early childhood education and care.
Among the groundbreaking initiatives is a bold 20-year objective aimed at reducing the number of children entering school with developmental vulnerabilities. Additionally, South Australia is pioneering the provision of up to 30 hours of preschool per week for three- and four-year-olds most in need. This move is complemented by a commitment to translate emerging research into actionable policies, along with spearheading national dialogues on early childhood policies.
To oversee the realization of these goals, the establishment of the Office for Early Childhood Development has been announced.
The commission’s recommendations span three key areas. Firstly, it advocates for enhanced support for children and families during the critical early years, emphasizing more frequent child development checks and improved dissemination of information to families, such as through initiatives like the Words Grow Minds campaign.
Secondly, the commission addresses issues pertaining to the availability, quality, and integration of early childhood education and care services. Noteworthy proposals include the phased introduction of universal three-year-old preschool programs, scheduled between 2026 and 2032, and the provision of up to 30 hours per week of preschool for at-risk children aged three and four.
Lastly, the commission underscores the importance of defining and funding preschool as an educational service while ensuring it connects families with necessary supports, including allied health services.
Concrete steps towards implementing these changes are already underway. Planning for the rollout of three-year-old preschool and extended preschool places, alongside a substantial $56 million investment in an early childhood workforce strategy, is in progress. Two integrated hub sites are slated to be operational before 2026.
Moreover, immediate action is being taken to expand preschool out-of-school-hours care (OSHC), with the Department for Education establishing a dedicated OSHC directorate to lead reform efforts.
These transformative measures are poised to yield significant benefits for South Australians. By reducing developmental vulnerabilities among school entrants, they promise better educational outcomes, enhanced career prospects, and overall improved well-being for children. Furthermore, the establishment of a robust out-of-school-hours care system within government schools will provide invaluable support to working and studying parents and carers, thereby fostering a more dynamic and prosperous society.
In total, the State Government has already committed an initial investment of $70 million to kickstart these initiatives, with further funding expected as the plans progress.
