Tomorrow’s Budget, the ACT Government states, will contain Canberra’s biggest ever investment in early childhood education: more than $50 million over the next four years “to improve equitable access to quality early learning”.

“Investing in the education of our children provides life-long benefits and sets them up with the best chance for success,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

From 2024, all Canberra families will be able to access one day a week of free three-year-old preschool, saving $1,329 each. This will benefit more than 5,000 three-year-olds across Canberra.

“The three-year-old preschool measure is not only important for equitable access for Canberrans, but it will also help families with young children address the rising cost of living,” Mr Barr said.

The number of preschool programs delivered through early childhood education and care centres by degree-qualified early childhood teachers will increase.

“High quality early childhood education plays a critical role in supporting children to learn and thrive,” Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, said.

“Children who take part in quality early learning programs are more likely to go on to have full and happy lives.”

The Budget also invests in the professionalism of the early childhood education and care workforce. These measures include:

• A comprehensive survey of the ACT’s early childhood education and care workforce capacity and needs.
• A professional learning and development resource portal for early childhood education and care services.
• A Professional Learning Network and collaborative learning communities for early childhood educators.
• Wrap-around supports, including study financial assistance and paid leave, and coaching and mentoring, for individuals undertaking qualifications in early childhood education.
• Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators working in Koori Preschool to increase their qualifications.

“Early childhood educators are at the heart of what makes early learning great,” Ms Berry said. “This investment supports them to do what they do best – build brains.”

Universal access to quality early childhood education is a key part of the ACT Government’s Set up for Success: an Early Childhood Strategy for the ACT.