Map: 71 childcare services and preschools to trial universal pre-Kindergarten

Seventy-one childcare services in NSW will have the “groundbreaking” opportunity to trial a universal pre-Kindergarten program. See all the participating centres here.

The 71 childcare services and preschools trialling universal pre-kindergarten in NSW have been revealed, as the state government takes the first step towards free preschool education for all families by 2030.

From next month, the successful early childhood education and care providers will share in $53.4 million of funding to test features including increased attendance, extended hours of operation, and transition to school programs.

The trial phase, expected to run from July to December this year, will inform how the government rolls out its universal pre-Kindy program to ensure every child has access to a free and consistent, high quality preschool education.

Education and Early Learning Minister Sarah Mitchell described the pre-K program as “one of the biggest education reforms in a generation”.

“Under the Liberals and Nationals, every child in NSW will have access to a specialised year of play-based learning, five days a week, at no cost to parents,” she said.

“Universal pre-Kindergarten and affordable preschool support saves families money and gives our youngest learners the best start possible.

“This investment will change lives, delivering enormous educational, social and economic benefits for the families and children of NSW.”

Four-year-old Zane, Janea and Aisha are among the “guinea pigs” trialling pre-Kindergarten at Connie's Child Care Centre in Mt Druitt. Picture: Tim Hunter

Mount Druitt, Wagga Wagga, Kempsey, Nambucca, Bourke, Cobar and Coonamble were originally targeted for the pilot program but centres from Liverpool to Lismore have also made the list.

“This first stage will ensure we get things right from the beginning – that includes capturing the diverse needs of children, families and communities right across the state,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said.

Roscille Demabilbo, centre director of Connie’s Child Care in Mt Druitt, said it was her “dream” for all parents to have equity of access to school readiness programs.

Being selected to be among hundreds of educators helping shape the program’s future is a “fantastic opportunity”, she said, especially in a less-advantaged part of Sydney.

“I’ve noticed (since) taking over, because I’m from a different area, that these parents are still learning what school readiness is and what childcare is all about,” Ms Demabilbo said.

“Before it was like a babysitting service, but now because we do tours with them, we give them orientation, they’ve started understanding how a childcare centre works.

“This group here in Mt Druitt in the west are willing to learn, they were just afraid to ask.”

Educational leader Clarisse Rodil said it was “a privilege” to participate in the scheme to get all kids “emotionally ready” for school.

“Growing up I never went through pre-K or anything like that, and I really struggled in Kindergarten emotionally. It’s such a big step for kids, going from daycare where they’re dependent on their educators to … being expected to fend for themselves,” she said.