Early Childhood Sector Reforms frequently asked questions
The frequently asked questions on this page provide a general overview about the reforms to South Australia's early childhood education and care sector.
The Government of South Australia is investing an additional $1.9 billion over 9 years to improve outcomes for young children in the state.
This investment will expand the offering of quality 3-year-old preschool in South Australia, build the infrastructure and workforce needed and offer integrated support for families that’s aligned with the needs of children.
More than 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of 5. There is broad evidence that 3- and 4-year-olds who attend preschool tend to have better life outcomes, including being better prepared to start primary school.
This investment is key to reducing the rate of South Australian children entering school developmentally vulnerable – from 23.8% to 15% over 20 years.
A preschool program (also called kindergarten or kindy) is play-based, age-appropriate learning that occurs before a child starts full-time school.
It’s an opportunity for children to learn through play-based programs that are led by qualified early childhood teachers and delivered as part of a long day care program or in a separate preschool setting.
3-year-old preschool began rolling out in 2026. All 3-year-old children in South Australia will have access to a full 15-hour program by 2032, in either government or non-government settings (long day care centres).
We’re doing this as quickly as possible, in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission headed up by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
In the first phase of the roll-out starting from 2026, the government is partnering with long day care providers across the state who meet quality and workforce requirements to deliver the Flying Start 3-year-old preschool program to children enrolled in their services. This will enable thousands of children to access the program from the early stages of the reform.
Government and non-government preschools are phasing-in the availability of Flying Start 3-year-old preschool places between 2026 and 2032, based on location, starting in remote and regional communities.
Availability of places in 3-year-old preschool programs across South Australia will grow as the reform rolls out.
Aboriginal children and children in care will retain their existing access to 3-year-old preschool in government preschools.
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