SA to open four new early years hubs as preschool reforms accelerate

Thousands of children and families in South Australia will benefit from new integrated early learning hubs from Term 4, as the government fast tracks its universal three-year-old preschool rollout.

Four new integrated early learning hubs will be delivered across South Australia as part of the state’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) reform agenda. Two of the sites will open ahead of schedule.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the decision to fast track the rollout followed strong demand from providers and families.

“The Royal Commission was clear that the early years are pivotal to shaping the rest of a child’s life,” Mr Malinauskas said. “We’re now delivering on our ambitious goals and doing so ahead of schedule.”

The new hubs will be located at Goodstart Early Learning Elizabeth Vale and three Department for Education Children’s Centres: Hackham West, Lake Windemere and The Parks. Elizabeth Vale and Port Pirie West will begin offering Preschool Plus programs, which provide up to 30 hours of early learning each week, from Term 4 2025. The remaining hubs are expected to open in 2027.

Each site will provide early learning programs for three and four-year-olds, alongside wraparound health, wellbeing and family services tailored to the needs of local communities.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the expansion reflects the state’s long-term investment in better outcomes for young children.

“Three-year-old preschool helps children build their language skills, develop friendships and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing,” he said. “It’s about ensuring they’re ready to learn from day one at school.”

The Elizabeth Vale hub will receive $1.45 million in co-investment for new infrastructure, including a flexible outdoor space for family programs. The project is jointly funded by the South Australian Government ($500,000), Goodstart Early Learning ($700,000) and The Benevolent Society ($250,000).

The hubs are part of a $127 million commitment to establish 20 integrated sites across the state by 2032. The initiative aims to reduce the proportion of children entering school developmentally vulnerable from 23.8 per cent to 15 per cent over 20 years.

Long day care rollout brought forward

A further $27.7 million will support the earlier rollout of three-year-old preschool in long day care settings. This will enable more than 2,000 new places to be created from 2026.

Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said the additional investment follows overwhelming interest from services during the recent expression of interest process.

“If we want to reduce disadvantage, we have to start early,” he said. “This Budget builds on our existing investments to make high-quality preschool more accessible for families across the state.”

Kindy Care trial extended

The 2025 to 26 State Budget also includes $3 million to extend the Kindy Care trial into 2026. Kindy Care is a preschool-focused out of school hours care (OSHC) model that aims to provide more flexibility for working families.

Standard preschool hours, typically 9am to 3pm, can limit access for families with work or study commitments. Kindy Care supports children to engage in developmentally appropriate care before and after the preschool day, helping reduce transitions.

Mr Boyer said the trial has already helped improve access and continuity.

“We’re giving families more choice and flexibility,” he said. “Extending Kindy Care will help us evaluate how to support more families into the future.”

A record investment in early learning

In 2026, more than 6,000 three-year-olds are expected to access preschool through integrated hubs and long day care services.

The expanded rollout builds on the government’s $1.9 billion investment in early childhood education and care. It responds directly to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, led by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Mr Malinauskas said it is the most significant reform to early education in the state’s recent history.

“There is no more important policy to the future of our state,” he said. “We are investing to give every child the best chance to thrive and to support the families and educators who make that possible.”