In a $200 million giveaway by NSW Government to families, NSW will become the first state to pay for three-year-olds to go to preschool.
Currently, only four-years-olds are subsidised for preschool.
The preschool funding is the latest in a flurry of packages announced that are aimed at families.
These include air-conditioned schools, money to support new parents and baby hampers upon the birth of their child, a reduction in the monetary value of parking fines and 12 new schools to be built across the state.
There are some pre-schools that are wholly funded by the Government, however many pre-schools are not-for-profit.
Early childhood educators say evidence shows it is vital for children to attend preschool, to prepare them for kindergarten.
This initiative by the NSW government is a great opportunity for 3-year-olds to attend preschool to develop their social skills and to assist each child to make effective transitions from preschool to the school setting.
Reference:
Glanville Brigid, "NSW budget: Families Big Winners With Free Preschool For 3yos As Surplus Hits $3.9 billion", ABC News, June 19th, 2018
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