Delivering early childhood education and care services in areas of limited supply

The Albanese Government is ensuring Australian children have access to the transformational benefits of early years learning no matter where they live.

This week, the Government will open applications for the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF), helping establish much-needed early childhood education and care services in disadvantaged communities.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly said quality early childhood education plays a vital role in dealing with entrenched generational disadvantage.

“We know, quality early learning drives better school outcomes – improving school readiness, as well as increasing retention and graduation rates,” Dr Aly said.

“Children who access early childhood education do better on key measures throughout life, including improved literacy and numeracy skills, better health outcomes and go on to higher paying jobs.

“This funding will help establish vital early childhood education and care services in communities experiencing disadvantage, where families currently have limited options when it comes to early learning for their children.

“We’re ensuring children don’t miss out on the critical benefits of early childhood education and care while giving families the ability to choose when it comes to increasing hours of work or returning to work or education.”

Eligible providers will be able to apply to share in $18 million in funding for grants of up to $900,000 to establish a new centre based day care or family day care service in an area experiencing limited supply.

The grants complement the Government’s expansion of the CCCF Restricted and Connected Beginnings programs, which are improving early childhood education and care access for First Nations children in remote and very remote communities.

The Government already funds around 900 services under the CCCF program, with around 60 per cent of funding supporting services located in regional and remote communities, ensuring families have access to quality early learning no matter where they live.

Applications for the new round will open from Wednesday 3 May until 1 June 2023 through the Grant Connect website: www.grants.gov.au.

For more information about the CCCF visit : https://www.education.gov.au/child-care-package/community-child-care-fund.