- Funding committed to examine non-compulsory early childhood education options
- Work will inform options to enhance the early learning system for Western Australian families
The Cook Government is investing $940,000 to examine options to enhance non-compulsoryearly learning in Western Australia.
This new funding recognises the vital role that early childhood education plays in the social and educational development of children, as well as the workforce participation it enables.
Deloitte, who undertook significant work as part of the South Australian Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, are contributing to this work which will examine early learning in other states and territories and support national developments to boost outcomes in the early years of childhood education.
The Cook Government is committed to enhancing early years outcomes and this investment is in addition to progress already made, including the Early Childhood Education and Care Job Ready Program, grants for local councils to improve early childhood education and care, and funding to strengthen regional early childhood education and care services.
The WA Government will continue to work collaboratively with the Australian Government as well as other state and territory governments to develop a shared long-term vision for early childhood education and care, designed around the principles of equity, accessibility, affordability and quality to support parents’ workforce participation and children’s education and development outcomes.
As stated by Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton:
“The Cook Government recognises that participation in quality early education has important developmental, social and education benefits for children. It can assist with positive early childhood development and provides a foundation for our children’s well-being and success.
“As WA’s first Minister for Early Childhood Education and a former teacher, I understand the importance of early childhood education and ensuring WA continues to offer quality early childhood education and care.
“There are significant activities and inquiries examining early learning across Australia, including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission inquiry into the market for the supply of childcare services and the Productivity Commission inquiry into early childhood education and care.
“This investment will ensure that we can meaningfully and productively contribute to the national discussion.
“This year I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many West Australians who, like me, are passionate about early childhood education and I look forward to building on those discussions next year.”
