MEDIA

RELEASE 13 November, 2017

THOUSANDS OF PARENTS CALL FOR PREMIER ANDREWS TO SUPPORT 10 HOURS FULLY

FUNDED 3 YEAR OLD PRESCHOOL

Thousands of parents are petitioning Premier Daniel Andrews to provide all Victorian children
with 10 hours of 3-year-old preschool.

Research has shown that preschool programs have long-term benefits for a childs cognitive,
emotional, and social development, but the cost of sending children to preschool is causing
three quarters of Victorian 3 year olds to miss out on these opportunities.

Parents and experts know that children who attend two years of high-quality preschool
programs at ages 3 and 4 are set up for success at school and in later life. Every child deserves
the chance to benefit from early childhood learning, said Meredith Peace, President of the
Australian Education Union in Victoria.

Thousands of Victorian parents recognise the importance of 3 year-old education and are
calling on the Andrews Government to support Victorian children and preschools.

Currently we rank 33 out of 36 OECD countries for participants in 3 year-old preschool
education. This is disgraceful and we need to make a change.

Early childhood education is crucial to our childrens future. It is often the most vulnerable
children and those who could benefit the most from two years of preschool education that are
missing out.

Access to preschool education shouldnt rely on a parents capacity to pay. Every Victorian
child deserves the chance to benefit from early childhood learning regardless of their
background.

The Andrews Government needs to fund 3 year old preschool programs to provide the
support and a strong workforce to deliver the programs our children need. Daniel Andrews
needs to ensure that our children get the best possible start in life.

AEU representatives and early childhood educators will be meeting with Jenny Mikakos, the
Minister for Early Childhood Education, on the 1st of December to call on the Andrews
Government to provide funding to deliver all 3 year olds 10 hours of preschool.


MEDIA CONTACT: ROSINA RAYNS 0401 991 792