Hundreds of preschools across NSW have opened their doors to the first cohort of subsidised three year olds this week, thanks to a historic investment from the NSW Government to ensure every child has access to two years of quality early childhood education.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said for the first time ever preschool subsidies have been extended to include all three and four-year-olds, saving families across Tweed an average of $825 a year.
“Not only does this investment mean better opportunities for children in Tweed, it also means parents have more money in their pockets,” Mr Provest said.
“This is just one way the NSW Government is improving the cost-of-living for families in Tweed and right across the State.
“I look forward to seeing children starting school more equipped with the skills to succeed, thanks to this historic investment.”
Minister for Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said universal access to two years of preschool education will provide extensive benefits to both children and the community.
“Funding three-year-olds is an issue that has been raised with me a number of times during my time as Minister, so I am proud the NSW Government is listening and delivering,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The benefits of having two years of quality early childhood education includes better performance throughout primary and high school, as well as longer term benefits like better university and TAFE attendance, and better outcomes post-tertiary education.
The NSW Government’s Start Strong program was introduced in 2016 and has already seen significant success for children attending preschool for 600 hours in the year before school – a reduction in average daily fees by 25 per cent and an increase in enrolments by 40 per cent.