• Grant funding of $20,000 to $100,000 available for Early Childhood Education and Care organisations
• Grants for programs that facilitate children's early learning, development, and transition to school 
• Focus on improving kindergarten participation and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and developmentally vulnerable children

Funding of more than $1.3 million dollars is being provided to Western Australia's Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector through the Preschool Reform Agreement (PRA).

The Commonwealth funding will be distributed for the first time to the ECEC sector through the Supporting Children in ECEC WA grants program administered by Child Australia.

Under the program, grants between $20,000 to $100,000 will be available for ECEC organisations to deliver initiatives that develop and maintain quality preschool programs, promote enrolment and regular attendance, and prepare children for school.

The program is aligned with the PRA's objectives with a focus on enhancing preschool participation and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and developmentally vulnerable children.

The Australian Government and all States and Territories are signatories to the PRA, which sets out the national reform agenda aimed at strengthening the delivery of preschool education to better prepare children for their first year of school.

One of the key reforms of the PRA is for funding to flow to all settings, including the ECEC sector.

Applications will open for eligible services from 1 November 2023. Full grant details are available on Child Australia website  https://www.childaustralia.org.au/

Comments attributed to Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton:

"The Cook Labor Government is committed to ensuring positive outcomes for our early learners, especially those that are developmentally vulnerable.

"Getting early learning and development right sets up children and young people for future success.

"Coordination and partnerships between all levels of Government will help achieve better outcomes for children and young people."

Comments attributed to Education Minister Dr Toni Buti:

"This new funding will set up our children to be lifelong learners.

"Our Government is focused on ensuring Western Australians of all ages have access to the best possible education including those at the start of their learning journey."