Central Coast parents will not have to pay preschool fees for up to six months thanks to a $51 million funding package announced by the NSW Government.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch has welcomed Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s announcement this morning that the NSW Government has also committed up to $82 million to support council childcare centres who are not eligible for the JobKeeper payments.
“There are 14 community preschools across the electorates of Gosford, Terrigal, The Entrance and Wyong that will benefit from this announcement.
“It means scores of three to five year olds will continue to receive quality childcare and that parents will continue to have access to childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those working on the frontline during this crisis.
“It will also provide funding certainty during an unpredictable time; ensuring preschool teachers and educators can be confident they will remain employed and that childcare centres remain viable into the future.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the recently announced Working for NSW Fund would contribute towards the state’s community preschools.
“This fund was set up to keep people in jobs and by supporting the sector, we’re ensuring the future of these early childhood services beyond this health crisis.
“It will also ease cost-of-living pressures on families in these tough times.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the funding means community preschools and council childcare centres would be required to remain open, unless they are closed on health advice.
“Families and children can now also be assured that their preschool service will continue to operate, providing some familiarity for them during these trying times.”