Dubbed Kindy Care, the trial will start in July and is in response to a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, released in August last year.
The Royal Commission, headed by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, heard from a wide range of stakeholders, who highlighted the need for government preschools to better meet the needs of working families.
Government preschools usually operate between 9am and 3pm, in contrast to most non-government preschools which offer long day care from around 7am-6pm.
Kindy Care will support families who are increasingly needing care for their children outside the regular preschool hours, with fees expected to largely reflect the cost to access school OSHC services.
Some parents may be eligible for financial assistance through the Child Care Subsidy, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as little as $5 per session.
The results of the program will provide valuable feedback to determine a broader rollout of out of hours preschool care.
Kindy Care will be trialled at:
- Renmark North Preschool
- Loxton Preschool Centre
- Millicent North Kindergarten
- Park Terrace Kindergarten
- Salisbury Heights Preschool
- Bridgewater Kindergarten
- Cumberland Preschool Kindergarten
- Fairview Park Kindergarten
- Lantana Kindergarten
- Magill Kindergarten
- Ocean View College Children’s Centre
- Clarence Park Community Kindergarten
- Adams Road Children’s Centre
- Dernancourt Kindergarten
- Gabmididi Manoo Children and Family Centre
- Gawler & District B-12 Children’s Centre
- Gladigau Park Kindergarten
- Seaview Downs Preschool
- Wattle Park Kindergarten
- Glossop Community Preschool
Fairview Park Kindergarten Director Michelle Slatter that the preschool was excited to be chosen to take part in the trial as “we know that our families will benefit greatly from the provision of Kindy Care”.
"We are thrilled that we can expand the services that we currently offer our children and families," Ms Slatter said.
"It is important to us that we can provide continuity for children who access both preschool and Kindy Care and that these children will have less transitions to navigate throughout the day."
