WA puts forward $940,000 to examine options on non compulsory early learning

Freya Lucas

Dec 22, 2023

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The West Australian Government is investing $940,000 to examine options to enhance non-compulsory early learning in Western Australia.

Deloitte, who undertook significant work as part of the South Australian Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, are contributing to this work which will examine early learning in other states and territories and support national developments to boost outcomes in the early years of childhood education.

The new funding recognises the vital role that early childhood education plays in the social and educational development of children, as well as the workforce participation it enables, Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton said.

"As WA's first Minister for Early Childhood Education and a former teacher, I understand the importance of early childhood education and ensuring WA continues to offer quality early childhood education and care,” she added.

"There are significant activities and inquiries examining early learning across Australia, including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission inquiry into the market for the supply of childcare services and the Productivity Commission inquiry into early childhood education and care.”

"This investment will ensure that we can meaningfully and productively contribute to the national discussion.”

The newly announced investment is in addition to progress already made, including the Early Childhood Education and Care Job Ready Program, grants for local councils to improve early childhood education and care, and funding to strengthen regional early childhood education and care services.

The WA Government will continue to work collaboratively with the Australian Government as well as other state and territory governments to develop a shared long-term vision for early childhood education and care, designed around the principles of equity, accessibility, affordability and quality to support parents' workforce participation and children's education and development outcomes.

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