Child Australia welcomes the Western Australian Government’s ambitious plan to lead the nation in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and applauds its visionary establishment of the Office of Early Childhood.
This landmark commitment represents a significant step forward in supporting families, strengthening the workforce, and ensuring that all children have access to high-quality early learning experiences.
“We share the government’s optimism for transformative change in ECEC,” said Ms Tina Holtom, CEO.
“To realise this vision, we must ensure policies are grounded in the deep expertise of educators, providers and childhood development specialists. Our collective frontline experience is invaluable in designing systems that work for children, families, and communities.”
The Cook Labor Government’s commitment includes the expansion of Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) on school sites, a methodical approach to trialling full-time kindergarten for four-year-olds, and investment in a well-supported workforce.
“With a well-developed strategic vision, the Office of Early Childhood has the potential to set a new benchmark across the country,” added Ms Holtom.
“By investing in the workforce and embedding services like OSHC in schools, we can ease pressure on families while providing children with safe, enriching environments to learn and grow. Overall, this is an exciting announcement – an opportunity where bold vision meets lasting change.”
As a leading advocate for quality early childhood education, Child Australia looks forward to collaborating with the government and sector partners to ensure the success of these initiatives. By prioritising access, workforce sustainability, and high-quality education and care, these commitments will contribute to a stronger foundation for WA’s children while positioning the state as a national leader in early childhood development.
