From 2026, thousands of children across metropolitan, regional and remote South Australia will access three year-old preschool at more than 250 sites, providing a second year of teacher-led, play-based learning. This represents the biggest reform to early childhood education in a generation and reflects Labor’s strong commitment to supporting children early, strengthening families and building systems that wrap around communities.

The rollout of three year-old preschool is an historic investment that will deliver universal access to high-quality, play-based learning earlier than ever before. A second year of preschool is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen children’s development and lay strong foundations for learning. It is also central to achieving the long-term goal of reducing the number of South Australian children who are developmentally vulnerable when they start school.

Research consistently shows the early years are critical to brain development, language acquisition, and social and emotional growth. By supporting children earlier, three year-old preschool helps set them up for success in education and beyond.

To support this reform, the Malinauskas Labor Government has invested $60 million in eight new preschools to meet growing demand, with all sites to open by 2029. These new preschools will be located in areas of significant population growth, including Adelaide’s northern suburbs such as Eyre, Munno Para and Elizabeth.