Starting next year, South Australia will introduce kindergarten services for thousands of three-year-olds at over 200 locations across the state. The government announced these locations today, with the rollout expected to begin in term four of this year, initially targeting the vulnerable communities of Elizabeth Vale and Port Pirie.
After the initial phase, the program will expand to encompass metropolitan, regional, and remote areas across South Australia. Premier Peter Malinauskas confirmed that both government-operated and privately-run centres would offer 15 hours a week of free preschool for three-year-olds. Families throughout the state are already showing excitement about the initiative, with one parent, Matt Lucas, expressing his approval, stating that this “flying start program” will help children develop confidence and essential skills for their future.
Despite concerns raised by the opposition regarding staffing for the increased number of children, Education Minister Blair Boyer reassured that the government is on track to have sufficient workforce numbers in place ahead of the programme’s launch. The broader goal is to achieve universal access to kindergarten services for all three-year-olds in South Australia by 2032.