Local communities will see increases in available preschool places with the Department of Education’s $13 million investment in areas of need and demand across NSW.
The 2022-23 Capital Works Grants Program supports not-for-profit organisations to build new preschool services or expand facilities to meet increased demand and population growth.
Cessnock Multipurpose Children’s Centre is one of six providers to receive a combined $13,676,829.85 (excluding GST) through the Major Capital Fund, which comprises grants for the creation of additional places through new builds, extensions, or renovations.
The grants will create an additional 200 licensed places across the six organisations.
East Lismore Community Pre-School Inc is one of three providers to receive a combined $5,405,515.08 (excluding GST) through the Crisis Fund, which ensures service continuity for providers impacted by exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.
This funding will help maintain 110 preschool places.
Glen Innes Preschool Association is one of two providers to receive a combined $83,105 (excluding GST) through the Mobile Fund, to replace or purchase additional vehicles to cater for increased demand.
Not-for-profit organisations eligible to apply for grant funding include community preschools, not-for-profit long day care providers, existing mobile preschool service providers, councils, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, including Multi-functional Aboriginal Community Services.
More information, including opening dates of future rounds, can be found on the department’s website.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, said the grants ensure all children in NSW can access quality early childhood education regardless of their location or circumstances.
“Children build important social, emotional and cognitive skills crucial for life when they participate in structured and play-based learning before starting school,” Ms Car said.
“We are working to improve access to preschool and ensure a sustainable supply of places where they are most needed across the state, as well as provide support to the sector.”
