9 September 2026 - Getting ready to launch
This e-bulletin is for our new partners preparing to deliver 3-year-old preschool in Term 1 2027.
Use the drop-down menu below to read the latest e-bulletin.
- Read the Policy and Funding Guide released for 2027 delivery.
- Work with your Local Team to hold educator sessions to prepare staff to deliver Flying Start preschool, including how to access available resources.
- Begin to host family information sessions in partnership with your Local Team.
- Start applying the Priority of Access policy for 3-year-old preschool enrolments and offers.
- Continue developing your Flying Start Partnership Plan with support from your OECD Local Team through monthly readiness support visits and check-ins. Plans may be submitted for approval as soon as they are completed.
- Encourage Early Childhood Teacher attendance at Professional Networks.
- Attend the Flying Start webinars.
We’re delighted to announce the finalists for the inaugural Flying Start Early Childhood Awards. We were thrilled to receive such a strong response from across the sector, with nominations highlighting the remarkable work being undertaken to support 3-4 years old children and their families.
The awards celebrate the individuals and services making a meaningful difference in the lives of South Australian children and families and recognising innovation, leadership, dedication, and excellence across the early childhood sector.
The winners will be announced at the Flying Start Early Childhood Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 14 October 2026.
Congratulations to all our finalists on this well-deserved recognition. Being named a finalist is a testament to the positive impact you are making in your communities.
We are pleased to announce that Leaders Forum 4 will be held on Tuesday 10 November at Adelaide Oval.
This forum will focus on policy to practice, and we are excited to welcome mid-year and 2027 partners for the first time.
Invitations to service leaders will be sent in late September/early October. Please save the date and keep an eye out for further information, including the program and registration details.
We look forward to welcoming leaders from across the sector for another valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate and share insights.
Expressions of interest to participate as a mentor or mentee in tranche 1 of the PRT Mentoring Program close Friday 11 September.
Delivered by Early Childhood Australia, the Program supports provisionally registered teachers (PRTs) with their transition to full registration through tailored mentoring opportunities with experienced early childhood teachers (ECTs).
The Program supports your service through:
- tailored mentoring opportunities for your PRT, helping them navigate the requirements to progress to full registration.
- recognition and support for your experienced teacher’s leadership capabilities through meaningful relationships with early career teachers.
- access to professional development opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.
Services with a teacher participating in the program - either as a mentee or mentor - will receive funding to acknowledge their commitment to supporting workforce development and strengthening the early childhood sector.
Advanced child safety training for the early childhood education and care sector is now available. This includes two additional courses which build on the mandatory foundation training and focus on:
- creating child safe cultures
- recognising, assessing and responding to safeguarding concerns.
A third course covering leadership and governance is expected to be available from 30 September 2026.
While foundation training applies broadly across the sector, advanced training is targeted to:
- staff who work directly with children
- people in leadership and management positions.
Under National Law, staff have plenty of time to complete the training.
Anyone who is required to complete the advanced training must do so within 6 months of course 5 being published.
For more information about who needs to complete the training, dates and how to complete the training visit National Child Safety Training
Make sure to catch-up on the slide decks and Q+As from the recent webinars:
- Workforce Spotlight: Initiatives, opportunities and supports
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