A fresh allocation of funds from the state government will mean some families will be able to afford preschool for the first time.
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CareWest CEO Tim Curran said across regional NSW, the average cost per day for preschool was $30.
It will drop to $22 a day with the funding grant of $115 million.
He said the funding was a positive move from the state government but said there was room for improvement.
“We welcome the $115 million injection over 18 months, but it’s important to note NSW funds its preschool services at the lowest level compared to all other states and territories,” Mr Curran said.
“Our hope is students get access to high-quality education before they go to kindergarten.
“Most kids attend two to 2.5 days a week, this will make a difference, it’s a significant saving and some families will be able to afford preschool for the first time.”
CareWest opened its sixth preschool and third in Orange just weeks ago and now caters for an average of 200 students each week.
Mr Curran said extra funding would mean more students attending preschool.
“We need to create more preschool places across NSW,” he said.
“In Orange, most preschool services are already at capacity, what the NSW government needs to do and has started to do is invest in the creation of new preschool places.”
“The evidence has been unequivocal for many years, the best time to invest in education is in the years before school.
“CareWest is looking to establish preschools in communities where children don’t have the opportunity to attend.”
CareWest also operates preschools in Parkes, Manildra and Mullion Creek.
Mr Curran said there was a massive payback in students’ education and social interaction which set up children for the future.
“This money is federal government money given to all states and territories to increase the attendance of students,” he said.
“It’s linked to universal access for children.”
Mr Curran said across the state 95 per cent of children had to attend preschool for 600 hours each year.
“I believe it should have been available for the last three to four years because it’s come from the federal government and NSW haven’t passed it on immediately.”
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
