The largest education reform in a generation starts now

The $1.9 billion committed is a historic investment to deliver the landmark Flying Start reforms, and includes universal access to high-quality, play-based learning earlier than ever before.

From this week, thousands of children across metropolitan, regional and remote South Australia will begin Flying Start 3-year-old preschool, accessing a second year of teacher-led, play-based learning designed to support their development during the vital early years.

Research consistently shows that early years are critical to brain development, language acquisition and social and emotional growth. By supporting children earlier, 3-year-old preschool helps set them up for success in their education and beyond.

Introducing a second, earlier year of preschool is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen children’s development, laying the foundations for children to thrive in their education. This is fundamental to achieving the 20-year goal to reduce the rate of South Australian children who are developmentally vulnerable when they start school.

Stronger starts lead to stronger communities. When children are supported from the early years, families are better supported, educators are better equipped, and communities are more connected and resilient.

The program is being introduced progressively and in partnership with long day care services and government and other sessional preschools across metropolitan and regional South Australia, supported by investment in the early childhood workforce, infrastructure and local planning.

Every South Australian child will have access by 2032.

A complete list of sites offering 3-year-old preschool from today can be found on our website.

Quotes attributable to Premier Peter Malinauskas:

This is the most significant change to South Australia’s early childhood education in a generation and reflects this government's strong commitment to our children – to support families early, and to strengthen a system that wraps around communities.

Research shows that nearly a quarter of South Australian children are starting school behind their developmental milestones. This is a government that is doing something about it.

This is important. Our state has enormous economic activity ahead of us – but to capitalise on it, we need to make sure our kids are equipped.

The roll-out of 3-year-old preschool reflects the values of South Australia – fairness, opportunity and a commitment to ensure every child, regardless of where they live, has the best possible start in life.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Blair Boyer:

This is a reform grounded in research and follows the recommendations provided by the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care – led by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

We know that 2 years of quality preschool are better than 1. Particularly for those children in disadvantaged and low-socio economic areas. 3-year-old preschool sets children up with the skills and confidence they need to ensure they are ready to learn as soon as they head to school.

We made a deliberate choice to start this roll-out by partnering with long day care services with existing relationships with their local families, as well as providing early access in our remote and rural communities in public preschools.

Today’s announcement reflects the sector’s commitment to quality early childhood education and their readiness to deliver for children and families.

Quotes attributable to Director at Campbelltown Community Children’s Centre Sharmane Leonard:

The Flying Start program recognises that 3-year-olds have different developmental needs to 4-year-olds, which is why a play-based curriculum delivered by qualified early childhood teachers is so important.

2 years of quality, play-based early learning can positively shape children’s life trajectories by building confidence, curiosity, social skills and a lifelong love of learning.

At our Centre, strong and respectful partnerships with families sit at the heart of everything we do, and as we celebrate 50 years of service to our community this year, building relationships will remain central to achieving the best outcomes for our children.