Building Early Education Fund: $1 billion boost to expand ECEC access in areas of need

The Australian Government is moving ahead with the Building Early Education Fund, a landmark $1 billion investment designed to expand access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in communities that need them most.

At the heart of the initiative is $500 million in capital funding to build and expand ECEC services. Funding will be targeted to areas of greatest need, with projects rolled out across several priority streams.

Capital grants will be provided to states and territories to support the construction or expansion of services on or near school sites, helping families access integrated education pathways from early learning through to primary school.

A second major funding stream will provide sector grants for new and expanded ECEC services in priority areas. The program will include:

• Large-scale grants for established not-for-profit providers capable of developing multiple new services; and
• Smaller grant rounds for community-based, independent, and Family Day Care (FDC) providers.

The Department of Education has begun engaging with large not-for-profit organisations to shape the future grants program, with discussions focused on capacity, delivery timelines, and sustainable service models. This early engagement aims to ensure funding is directed to providers with a proven track record of quality, governance, and scalability.

In partnership with the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children, the government will also support the establishment of Integrated Early Years Hubs. These hubs will bring together early learning, child and maternal health, and family and community support services in one location, creating a holistic and accessible model for families.

These initiatives form part of the government’s broader $1 billion plan to strengthen Australia’s early education system, a key step toward a universal ECEC system that gives every child the best start in life, regardless of postcode or circumstance.

Learn more about the Building Early Education Fund on the Department of Education website.