Do you have a preschooler? Did you know that two preschools in Avalon have been rated “Excellent” by NSW Education? Also, did you know that for the next four years, every family in New South Wales with children in preschool may have access to high-quality early childhood education regardless of their background or where they live?
In a historic deal, the NSW Government has been the first state to sign the $840-million agreement with the Commonwealth Government to ensure that families will have quality preschool options to prepare them for primary school. NSW has committed $560 million for this initiative whilst $280 million will come from federal funding.
Stuart Robert, the acting Federal Minister for Education and Youth, said that this deal will provide all preschool kids “at least 15 hours of preschool a week in the year before they start school.” The state may also use the money for more programs to boost the quality of early education, targetting more disadvantaged kids.
According to NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, this is the state’s most important economic asset.
“Investing in our people, our families and our kids will help us grow today’s economy by increasing workforce participation rates and it will help our future prosperity by giving our kids the best possible start in life,” Mr Kean said.
“This is a game-changing deal for families in NSW, providing parents and carers the freedom to participate in the workforce in ways that better suit their needs.”
The Preschool Reform Agreement will cover the 2022 to 2025 school year. Per the statement, the Commonwealth has “guaranteed ongoing funding for preschools” during this four-year agreement.
Excellent Preschool Options in Avalon
Mr Robert and Mr Kean visited one of KU Children’s Services facilities in announcing the good news. In Avalon, two preschools received an excellent rating in a recent assessment from the NSW Department of Education.
KU Avalon Preschool
KU Children’s Services, which has 128 facilities across the country, including KU Avalon Preschool in Avalon Parade, specialist education tailored for young learners to build their competencies and readiness for big school.
“Throughout KU’s 130 services, children experience high-quality early education preschool, child care, early intervention and inclusion programs, and small acts of kindness happen every day. They learn it’s OK to be different, and we can all be different, together.”
Rosey Pot Kindergarten
Rosey Pot Kindergarten follows the Reggio Emilia education approach that encourages the children to develop their natural curiosity. The programs offered in this school are geared towards holistic learning in literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts.
“Providing children with a holistic approach to early childhood education we honour the child’s whole being, including their families supporting their learning in a more tangible, relevant and meaningful way.”