Community Early Learning Australia CEO Diane Lawson welcomed state government funding to the sector, tipped to provide many local child care centres with long-term financial security.

To secure funding, early learning providers must have a number of kids enrolled in preschool for at least 15 hours per week.

“For four and five year-olds and disadvantaged kids, preschools are being encouraged to reduce fees to get numbers up,” she said.

“In regional areas like Nowra, fees will be reduced up to 75 per cent. 

“That allows families to send their kids there a little bit more.”

Parents previously unable to send their kids to preschool due to work, may benefit from extended operating hours.

“Ninety per cent of preschools are having to increase operating hours,” Mrs Lawson said.

“For some mums and dads, it’s given them preschool as an option, now they can drop their kids off at 8am.” 

CELA has been working to quash misconceptions about early learning.

“Some people think of early education as babysitting,” she said.

“World wide research proves that if children have access to quality early learning, they’re better set up for primary education.”

Earlier in the week, Kiama MP Gareth Ward announced the state government will be investing an extra $217 million in child care centres over three years.

“This unprecedented investment means community preschools and long day care services will be funded through to 2021,” he said.

“Since the launch of Start Strong in January this year, more than half of all community preschools in NSW have changed their business model.”