Minister for Early Childhood Education Leslie Williams and Pru Goward Member for Goulburn visited Yass Little Learners last Monday to discuss funding for the delivery of preschool programs for four and five-year-old children in the year before school. 

Ms Goward said the focus is on universal access to early childhood education and supports participation in quality preschool programs within long day care services. 

"As a result of this announcement Yass Little Learners will receive up to $3,600 in additional funding to deliver its preschool program,” Ms Goward said. 

“Yass Little Learners is a fantastic centre and Director Jess Grundy has made a significant investment in Yass to provide opportunities to local working families to give their kids a great start to their education.”

As part of the $24 million grants program, all long day care services with four or five year olds will be eligible for a minimum payment of $300 per child, rising to a payment of $450 for children enrolled for 600 hours. 

Four or five year olds from Aboriginal backgrounds or enrolled in services in disadvantaged areas will be eligible for a minimum payment of $450 per child, increasing to $675 for those enrolled for 600 hours. 

Mrs Williams said all children should have the same access to a quality early childhood education, regardless of the type of service they attend. 

“Yass Little Learners will be able to use the additional funding to purchase resources, develop a preschool program based on the Early Years Learning Framework and to broaden staff capability, including upgrading qualifications,” Mrs Williams said.