$715 MILLION PRESCHOOL COMMITMENT WILL CHANGE THE LIVES OF SA CHILDREN
3 June 2024 – The South Australian Government’s commitment to invest $715 to deliver universal, high quality preschool for three and four year old children will change their lives, says Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign.
Thrive by Five’s Jay Weatherill welcomed the announcement, which is been made following a strong push from early childhood advocates from across the state.
“The evidence that shows how children benefit from high quality early learning is unequivocal,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Children that participate in preschool are shown to do better at school and be more likely to complete year 12 and engage in tertiary education. They are more likely to have better health and wellbeing and are less likely to come into contact with the justice system.
“This investment has the power to change the lives of children in South Australia.”
Members of Thrive by Five’s South Australian Alliance also welcomed the announcement.
“The Preschool Directors Association, and the broader SA Thrive by Five Alliance, is excited by the announcement of significant financial investment in early childhood. This investment will enable preschools to build on the work they already do in supporting children and families to thrive,” said Kate Ryan, President of the Preschool Directors Association of South Australia.
“The South Australian Thrive by Five Alliance, representing organisations supporting kids and families across the early childhood development systems, welcomes this historic investment in the future of SA kids,” said Convenor, Brad Chilcott.
“We know that what happens in the early years has significant impact on the life trajectory of children – including education, employment, relationships and well-being. It is the most important investment we can make in the health, safety and prosperity of our state.
“We look forward to working with the State Government and the Office of Early Childhood Development on the implementation of this vision to see every child in South Australia gets the support they need, when they need it, to thrive now and into their future.”
