Hundreds of new preschool places will be created across the state with the $6 million Start Strong Capital Works Grants program to improve preschool infrastructure.
Children who participate in a quality early childhood education program for at least 600 hours in the year before school are more likely to have the social, cognitive and emotional skills they need to engage in learning.
The investment is part of $42.1 million of funding to extend the capital works program for another four years. This will create more than 4000 additional preschool places in growing areas like Camden, Parramatta, Blacktown and the Hills.
Since the program was introduced in 2013, more than 1500 places have been added.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the grants will allow preschool services to build, extend or renovate facilities to increase preschool places where there is evidence of high need and growing demand.
“We know the long term benefits of early childhood education. That is why we are continuing to invest in improving access for families in areas that need it the most. We want to ensure all children have access to top-quality early childhood education,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Applications for the Start Strong Capital Works program are from 7 September 2018 – 2 November 2018.
Find out more about Start Strong Capital Works Grants program.