Infrastructure upgrades prepare South Australian preschools for three-year-old rollout

More than 45 government preschools across South Australia are undergoing infrastructure works ahead of the state’s rollout of three-year-old preschools from 2026.

Construction and renovation valued at $2.8 million is currently taking place at 31 sites, with upgrades ranging from minor adjustments to four major redevelopment projects. The works include improvements to change facilities, adjustments to enhance safety, and upgrades to indoor and outdoor learning spaces.

The sites span rural and remote areas across the far north, Eyre Peninsula and mid-north regions, alongside three metropolitan demonstration sites and the Port Pirie West Integrated Hub.

The staged rollout of three-year-old preschool will commence in these areas next year before expanding across the state between 2026 and 2030.

South Australia’s three-year-old preschool initiative forms part of the Malinauskas Labor Government’s $1.9 billion investment in early learning. The reforms are informed by the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, led by the Hon Julia Gillard AC, which highlighted the developmental benefits of two years of quality, teacher-led preschool.

All current works are expected to be completed by Term 4, 2025, with upgrades due across around 290 preschools by 2029.

In addition to capital works, government preschools participating in the 2026 rollout will receive a minimum $10,000 grant to support readiness. The funding can be used for professional development, program resources, new equipment and furniture, or adjustments to learning environments.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the upgrades would ensure facilities are prepared for the expansion while maintaining high-quality standards:

“This is a significant step in ensuring that our preschools and kindergartens have been upgraded where needed to ensure they continue to provide the best possible support and opportunities for our state’s youngest learners.”

At the Burra Early Learning Centre, Director Sarah Stoddart emphasised the importance of the rollout for regional families:

“Our site is the only government preschool servicing the Burra region, along with outlying communities such as Hallett, Mt Bryan and Booborowie, so we have an integral role in our community supporting local families.

Three-year-old preschool will build on the Rural Care service we already offer, ensuring a play-based education option led by early childhood teachers is available to local families while supporting future generations of children in the region.”

The centre will host a Parent Information Session on 18 September to support community understanding of the changes.

By 2026, three-year-old preschools will begin operating in both government preschools and partner long day care services across South Australia, ensuring broader access to early learning. Aboriginal children and children in care will continue to have access to government preschool from their third birthday.

For a full list of preschools undergoing upgrades, visit the South Australian Government media release.