A national expert in early childhood – who led the introduction of preschool changes in Victoria – has been appointed to lead the reform of the early years system in South Australia and the delivery of universal preschool for three-year-olds.
Kim Little has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the newly created Office for Early Childhood Development and will begin in January of next year, upon her relocation to South Australia, for a five-year term.
Ms Little comes to the role with a wealth of experience, previously leading the implementation of Victoria’s preschool and child information sharing reforms, as well as working closely across government with maternal and child health and family services portfolios. Ms Little’s work has focused on the delivery of universal three-year-old kindergarten.
Prior to this appointment, she was the Deputy Secretary for Early Childhood Education in Victoria and has also held senior roles in both higher education and skills policy and education strategy.
Ms Little’s appointment as Chief Executive follows the delivery of the final report outlining the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care in South Australia.
The Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care – headed by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard – spoke with parents and caregivers, experts in early childhood development, service providers, leaders and unions, before handing down its findings earlier this year.
A total of 13 recommendations were immediately accepted by the Malinauskas Labor Government, with further analysis of the recommendations underway.
Dr Peta Smith has been appointed acting Chief Executive of the Office for Early Childhood Development in the interim. Dr Smith is currently the Executive Director of Strategic Policy and External Relations at the Department for Education. She leads the Department for Education’s division that supports strategic policy development, international engagement, communications and intergovernmental relations.
Dr Smith’s work this year will focus on legislative reform and the establishment of the office more broadly.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
There is no more highly qualified person in Australia to deliver on this important program of work than Kim Little, and I thank her for taking up the challenge.
Ms Little has a proven track record of delivering, and she will hit the ground running, with the support of an experienced executive team who are starting work immediately on setting up the Office for Early Childhood Development.
Every South Australian child deserves the opportunity to maximise their potential, and that is exactly what we are seeking to deliver by delivering on the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
As put by Blair Boyer
The appointment of Ms Little is a coup for the state with her experience in this field unmatched across Australia. The announcement today reflects South Australia’s commitment to the early years and the investment we are making long-term in early education reform.
The early focus for the office will be on workforce supply, the commissioning of integrated service hubs, and working closely with the Department for Education around legislative requirements.
There is an extensive body of work to be undertaken, starting with the initial planning and application of a dedicated $14 million workforce fund to ensure we have people attracted to the profession and support educators.
As put by Kim Little
I’m thrilled to be taking on this role leading the implementation of three-year-old preschool in South Australia.
I am looking forward to working closely with the profession and partners across the sector and government to make these reforms a reality in the lives of South Australia’s young children and families.
There is no more important investment than the early years and I look forward to working with the Minister and the Premier who share my passion for the early years and the benefits it will deliver for generations of families.
