More than 3,000 children and families in Canberra are benefiting from free three-year-old preschool every year, according to the latest enrolment data.
With over 150 early childhood education and care services offering the program, children are accessing up to 300 hours of free preschool from degree-qualified early childhood teachers right across Canberra.
The three-year-old preschool program supports the development and wellbeing of children, with quality, play-based early education setting them up for a successful transition to school and a bright future as lifelong learners.
At the same time, the program is easing pressure on family budgets, with the average family saving $1,329 per child.
Work is currently underway to deliver our 2024 ACT Election commitment to double the program so that children and families can access up to 600 hours of high-quality early learning, with this commitment to be delivered in the next two years.
In addition to the Free Three-Year-old Preschool Program, the ACT Government delivers the targeted Three-Year-Old Initiative that provides two days a week of free early learning for children experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage.
There are an additional 346 children enrolled in the Initiative, meaning more than 60% of eligible three-year-old children in the ACT are accessing either the universal or targeted program.
The full list of ECEC services taking part in three-year-old preschool can be found at www.education.act.gov.au/early-childhood/free-three-year-old-preschool.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Chief Minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA
“More than 3,000 children and families are now benefiting from up to 300 hours of free three-year-old preschool every year.
“We know that the earliest years of life are a critical period for brain development and readiness to learn – that’s why we’re making a big investment in our littlest Canberrans.
“At the heart of this program are the early childhood educators who do such valuable work with children every day – work that we know shapes the trajectory of children’s lives. This is especially true for children who are experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.
“Free three-year-old preschool is also just another way we’re easing the pressure on family budgets with the average family saving $1,329 per child.”
Quotes attributable to the Director of the Flynn Early Childhood Education Centre, Natasha Bunter
“Our purpose is to be together, for children. At Flynn we actively support the three-year-old preschool initiative because it ensures that children who would otherwise miss out have equitable access to early childhood education and care.
“By providing targeted support before they start preschool, we can help give every child the best possible foundation for learning and development.”
