Tuesday, 4 March 2025

Early childhood education and care

Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:48): (1457) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Children and relates to the Allan Labor government’s commitment to early childhood education through its kinder kits initiative. Education starts in the earliest years, formally in kindergarten but also in the home. That is why the Allan Labor government’s kinder kits are back in 2025 for every eligible child enrolled in a funded three-year-old kindergarten. Each kit is packed with books, educational toys and activities designed specifically for three-year-olds to enjoy at home, ensuring all children have access to vital early learning tools. Last week I had the pleasure of visiting two outstanding kindergarten facilities in Croydon: St John’s Kindergarten, which has been serving our littlest learners in Croydon for over 60 years; and Pinjarra Kindergarten, which fosters confidence and education through play-based learning and is nestled along the Tarralla Creek trail. While Croydon has significantly changed over the years, the dedication of the kindergartens to providing high-quality early education and meeting future opportunity remains steadfast. I particularly want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the early years educators who educate our littlest learners through play-based learning each and every day. Given the vital role kindergartens play in shaping a child’s learning journey, I ask the minister to outline how the kinder kits initiative will directly benefit kindergartens in the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region, including St John’s Kindergarten and Pinjarra Kindergarten. I also ask: how will these kindergartens be supported in integrating the lessons learned from the kinder kits into their early learning journeys? Further, as engaging parents and carers is key to maximising the benefits of early education, I also ask: what additional measures is the government taking to ensure that families fully utilise these kits at home and in the community?