A Shorten Labor Government will introduce a new two year National Preschool and Kindy Program, guaranteeing around 700,000 Australian children a year will be able to access subsidised preschool.

Labor will also extend the current arrangement for four year olds accessing preschool – creating a quality, two-year program to support the most important years of a child’s development

This is the biggest ever investment in early childhood education in Australia.

Michelle Rowland recently visited local early learning centres, including Uniting Grantham Heights Early Learning in Seven Hills, to see the great early learning services being provided locally and to speak to local educators about the importance of early learning.

One of the biggest barriers to accessing early education is cost. By expanding access, Labor will help local families in Greenway with cost of living pressures and help parents balance work and family life.

Since Labor signed the first preschool universal access agreement in 2008, enrolment for four year olds has increased from 77% to over 93%. This is good progress, but more needs to be done.

“Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain development occurs in the first five years of life. And as a mother of two young girls, I know that an investment in early education is one of the smartest investments we can make for our children,” Michelle Rowland said.

“For the first time, every three year old child across our community will be able to access 15 hours of subsidised early childhood education, so they can get the best start to learning.

“I have seen first-hand the importance of early learning in our local area. That’s why I’m passionate about making it more accessible for all families in Greenway.

“Labor’s plan is good for children, good for parents, and good for Australia’s future,” Ms Rowland said.