SA makes pivotal appointment to drive early learning reform

A national expert in early childhood – who led the introduction of preschool changes in Victoria – has been appointed to lead the reform of the early years system in South Australia and the delivery of universal preschool for three-year-olds.

Kim Little has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the newly created Office for Early Childhood Development and will begin in January of next year, upon her relocation to South Australia, for a five-year term.

Ms Little previously led the implementation of Victoria’s preschool and child information sharing reforms, as well as working closely across government with maternal and child health and family services portfolios. Her work has focused on the delivery of universal three-year-old kindergarten.

Prior to this appointment, she was the Deputy Secretary for Early Childhood Education in Victoria and has also held senior roles in both higher education and skills policy and education strategy.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the profession and partners across the sector and government to make these reforms a reality in the lives of South Australia’s young children and families,” Ms Little said. 

“There is no more important investment than the early years and I look forward to working with the Minister and the Premier who share my passion for the early years and the benefits it will deliver for generations of families.”

Ms Little’s appointment as Chief Executive follows the delivery of the final report from South Australia’s Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care which made a number of recommendations to reform early learning in the state. 

While Ms Little relocates Dr Peta Smith has been appointed acting Chief Executive of the Office for Early Childhood Development in the interim. 

Dr Smith is currently the Executive Director of Strategic Policy and External Relations at the Department for Education. She leads the Department for Education’s division that supports strategic policy development, international engagement, communications and intergovernmental relations.

Dr Smith’s work this year will focus on legislative reform and the establishment of the office more broadly.

To learn more about the recommendations made in the Royal Commission’s report please see here.