Significant commitment towards universal three-year-old preschool in SA welcomed by Thrive by Five
23 October 2021 – Thrive by Five has welcomed the announcement by South Australian Labor today of the creation of a Royal Commission into the rollout of universal three-year-old preschool should they form government in 2022.
Thrive by Five CEO Jay Weatherill said the Royal Commission was a robust way of engaging with families, educators and providers on this important reform for the early learning and care system.
“I congratulate South Australian Labor for this significant early learning commitment announced today. This is recognition of the critical importance of high-quality learning in the year before school starts,” he said.
“Every child in South Australia should have access to affordable three-year-old preschool that meets their needs, regardless of their postcode.
“The first five years of a child’s life are the foundation that shapes children’s future health, happiness, growth, development and learning. The early years are so important that evidence shows children who enter the school system developmentally vulnerable often never catch up with their peers.
“Thrive by Five hopes the recommendations of the Royal Commission will set a clear case for the rollout of three-year-old preschool in South Australia and how it will work best for local conditions.
“We also strongly advocate for a new national agreement for universal three-year-old preschool as an investment in critical social infrastructure, giving children the best start in life, supporting families, driving workplace participation and underpinning economic productivity and growth,” Mr Weatherill said.
