Dominic Perrottet MP is urging community preschools and mobile preschools in the Hawkesbury to apply for a grant to expand the number of places and services as part of the NSW Government’s $10 million Start Strong Capital Works Grants program.
Right across the Hawkesbury the NSW Government is committed to giving parents and children the best choice and access to early childhood education, especially in the vital year before school starts”, Mr Perrottet said.
“These grants are essential to ensuring services in the Hawkesbury can invest in the right infrastructure to support more children in having access to early childhood education – because our kids deserve it and parents expect it.”
Minister for Early Childhood Education, Sarah Mitchell, said this funding can be used to construct new community preschools as well as expand existing services to allow for more available childcare places.
“This funding will ensure even more children right across the state will have access to early childhood education in the year before school, giving them the social, cognitive and emotional skills to transition to school as well as benefiting them in the longer term,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“We know the success of a child’s education on their last day of school is determined by their very first day of school. That’s why we’re investing in innovative approaches to improve access to quality early childhood education, no matter where you live.”
The Start Strong Capital Works Grants program is open to not-for-profit community preschools and mobile preschools operating in areas of the state where there is a demonstrated shortage of places.
Applications are now open and can be submitted online up until Friday 18 August. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at www.dec.nsw.gov.au/what-we-offer/regulation-and-accreditation/early-childhood-education-care/funding/start-strong/capital-works-grants-program