31 July 2026 - Getting ready to launch
This e-bulletin is for our new partners preparing to deliver 3-year-old preschool in Term 3 2026 and Term 1 2027.
Use the drop-down menu below to read the latest e-bulletin.
You can access previous e-bulletins in the archive section of this page and download attached resources.
The Policy and Funding Guide for 2027 delivery is now available online and as a downloadable PDF.
The Guide sets out the policy and funding arrangements for 3- and 4-year-old Flying Start preschool program delivery in 2027.
It also outlines your responsibilities as a Flying Start partner and our 3 key service delivery priorities.
The Aboriginal Early Childhood Strategy is a key response to the Royal Commission’s recommendation to deeply listen to Aboriginal Communities and in response, co-design measures so Aboriginal children retain and increase these benefits with South Australia’s move to universal 3-year-old preschool.
We want more Aboriginal children to access Culturally responsive preschool supports reflecting their identities, strengths and aspirations.
To achieve this, there are the Strategy covers two key goals:
- That preschool will strengthen identity and support healthy development and learning; and
- Families and Communities will experience a Culturally responsive and better-connected early childhood service ecosystem.
Achieving the Strategy’s vision and goals requires change at every level. The co-designed Theory of Change will guide the implementation of new initiatives and continue to ensure Aboriginal families, Communities and workforce are at the centre of early childhood reforms.
Over the coming weeks, we will focus on key elements of the Strategy and how you can play your part.
The Provisionally Registered Teachers Mentoring Program supports provisionally registered teachers (PRTs) transition to full registration through tailored mentoring opportunities with experienced early childhood teachers (ECTs).
The program supports your service through:
- tailored mentoring opportunities to your PRT, helping them navigate the requirements to progress to full registration.
- recognition and support for your experienced teachers’ leadership capabilities through meaningful relationships with teachers early in their career and access to professional development opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.
Services with a teacher participating in the program - either as a PRT mentee or ECT mentor - will receive funding to acknowledge their commitment to supporting workforce development and strengthening the early childhood sector.
Delivered by Early Childhood Australia, Expressions of Interest will open soon, inviting both PRTs and experienced ECTs to join this free program.
Find out more on the ECA website and see the PRT Mentoring Program Guidelines.
We’ve been delighted by the strong response from across the sector and the opportunity to recognise the outstanding educators, teachers, leaders and early childhood professionals who help South Australia's children learn, grow and thrive.
With only a few days remaining, we encourage anyone who is yet to finalise and submit their nomination to do so before the closing date.
Visit the OECD website for details on how to nominate.
Nominations close at 5.00 pm on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to recognise the outstanding contributions of South Australia's early childhood workforce. We look forward to celebrating the finalists and winners later this year.
National child safety training is mandatory for everybody working or volunteering in early childhood education and care services regulated under the NQF.
Existing workforce staff and volunteers must complete the foundation training by 27 August 2026.
New staff or volunteers must complete the training within 14 days of being employed, engaged or appointed at the service - or before they start working directly with children (whichever comes first).
Further information about the training, including how to register is available on the National Child Safety website.
Partner services must ensure they have signed Declaration and consent forms for new Term 3 2026 3- and 4-year-old preschool participants prior to submitting these enrolments as part of the Term 3 data submission.
This Term 3 data submission is for partner services currently delivering Flying Start preschool and covers the reference period of week 2 and 3.
Use these forms or speak with your Local Team for help.
Editable PDF 3-year-old declaration and consent form
The teaching and learning funding for preschool is provided per confirmed enrolment, which supports a greater investment in your service for the delivery of a quality, teacher-led preschool program.
See the Enrolment support pack and the checklist to help you make sure all eligible children in your service are enrolled in the preschool program.
Your Local Team is also available to support you in understanding your current and potential 3- and 4-year-old preschool program enrolments.
Make sure to catch-up on the slide decks and Q+As from the last 2 webinars:
- Preschool Plus
- Ready Set Preschool
- Training, Professional Development, Toolkit and Enhancing Quality
Looking for a previous e-bulletin?