Labor Spokesperson for Kiama, Sarah Kaine, is encouraging early childhood education and care providers to apply for funding through the Minns Labor Government’s new initiative aimed at creating additional spaces for children across NSW.

The Building Early Learning Places Program includes $20 million in funding to support eligible not-for-profit community preschools and long daycare centres in 31 targeted areas across the state, including Minnamurra and Gerringong.

“We know that early childhood education offers long-term benefits for both children and families, but there simply aren’t enough places in local preschools and daycare centres for the Kiama community,” said Kaine. 

“I strongly encourage local services in Minnamurra and Gerringong to apply for funding, so we can expand childcare services in the region.”

The new program is expected to create at least 300 additional spaces each week for children aged 0 to 6 in areas with a shortage of early childhood education and care, ensuring that every child has access to a strong educational foundation, regardless of where they live.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, highlighted the critical role of early education in a child’s development. 

“We know that high-quality early childhood education in the years before school sets children up for success in their education. That’s why the Minns Government is committed to increasing access for families across NSW,” said Car.

This initiative is just one part of the government’s broader efforts to improve early childhood education in the state. Last year, the government announced plans to build 100 new public preschools, providing fee-free preschool education for more than 9,000 children, with new locations in Kiama’s Bomaderry and Nowra.