Goodstart Early Learning has this morning confirmed that it will purchase 19 long day care (LDC) centres and four kindergartens from Mission Australia Early Learning (MAEL) in a deal that is expected to be complete by mid-September 2019. 

The transition of centres from Mission Australia will mark the end of the charities exposure to LDC and Queensland-based kindergarten services, although they will continue to operate family day care services as well as two New South Wales preschools. 

James Toomey, Chief Executive Officer of Mission Australia, noted “We have made the decision to transition out of the LDC and Queensland kindergarten programs as we continue to focus on Mission Australia’s goal of reducing homelessness and strengthening communities across Australia.”

Mission Australia has extensive history in the early learning sector, having up to this year managed 20 centres on behalf of the Australian Defence Force and also having been founding members of the Goodstart itself. 

“We know that Goodstart is the best organisation to ensure the long-term sustainability of these services into the future, with a strong focus on improving the lives of Australia’s children and their families, particularly the most vulnerable,” Mr Toomey said. 

Continuity of care, and the wellbeing of educators employed in the Mission Australia centres will be a core focus of the handover period, Goodstart CEO Julia Davidson said. 

“Upon settlement all enrolments for children will continue uninterrupted and staff will continue to be employed in their current positions in their existing centres with Goodstart, and we look forward to ensuring MAEL’s commitment to children’s learning, development and wellbeing is carried forward with us.”

The addition of the new services will take Goodstart’s network to 667, up from 644 prior to the announcement.