Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care

We want to hear about what you need from early childhood education and care.

What's being decided?

The Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care is investigating what can be done to better support families in South Australia so that our children can thrive, including offering 3-year-old preschool to all children.

Your input will help the Royal Commission gain a deeper understanding of how the early years system can better support children across South Australia.

Background

Research shows how crucial the years before school are to the rest of a child's life - 90% of adult brain development and growth occurs in the first 5 years.

A range of services provide what is called 'early childhood education and care'. These include:

• long day care (often known as child care)
• family day care
• early learning centres
• children's centres
• preschool (often known as kindy or kindergarten).

The Royal Commission will focus on how these services can support all children to succeed, as well as looking at preschool for 3-year-old children and the supports families might need to access quality education and care, including out of school hours care at all ages.

Learn more about the Royal Commission and the current early years system on the Royal Commission website.

Get involved

The Royal Commission wants to hear from parents and caregivers across South Australia - especially those who live regionally.

The Royal Commission is asking you to share:

• what is important to you when thinking about early childhood services for your child?
• what services or experiences do you want for your child?
• what is informing the choices you have made or will make?
• what do you think is important for children's learning and development?

Have your say by reading our community guide and then taking our survey.

We will also be holding a number of online forums for parents and caregivers. To stay up to date, subscribe to our newsletter.

You can also contact the Royal Commission by:

• submitting a formal written submission
• emailing RoyalCommissionECEC@sa.gov.au
• writing to GPO Box 11025, Adelaide SA 5001.

What are the next steps?

The Royal Commission is expected to run until mid-to-late 2023.

The Royal Commission will also speak with educators, experts, unions and service providers to develop the policy options to make South Australia's early childhood education and care system one that lays a strong foundation for all children.

An Interim Report will be issued in April next year focusing on 3-year-old preschool delivery, and the Final Report will be released by the end of August 2023.

The Government will then consider the report and the recommendations, and look at how to implement them.