Flying Start: 3-Year-Old Preschool at Stepping Stone (SA)

From January 2026, 14 Stepping Stone (SA) centres will begin offering the South Australian Government’s new 3-Year-Old Preschool Program as part of the Flying Start initiative. This exciting reform provides eligible children with access to 15 hours per week of teacher-led, play-based preschool, setting them up for a strong start in their learning journey.

What Is the Flying Start Program?

Flying Start is a government initiative designed to expand access to preschool for 3-year-olds across South Australia. Backed by a $1.9 billion investment, the program aims to give every child the best possible foundation for school and life.

From 2026, eligible children will be able to access up to 15 hours of government-funded preschool education per week, led by qualified early childhood teachers in a play-based learning environment.

To learn more about the broader initiative, visit the Flying Start website.

What This Means for Your Family

The program offers many benefits for children and families:

  • Up to 15 hours per week of government-funded preschool education for eligible 3-year-olds

  • Led by qualified early childhood teachers

  • Focus on social, emotional, and cognitive development

  • Builds confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills for lifelong learning

  • Helps prepare children for 4-year-old preschool and primary school

Participation in the program is optional but strongly encouraged to support your child’s development during this critical early stage.

What This Means for Your Family

The program offers many benefits for children and families:

  • Up to 15 hours per week of government-funded preschool education for eligible 3-year-olds

  • Led by qualified early childhood teachers

  • Focus on social, emotional, and cognitive development

  • Builds confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills for lifelong learning

  • Helps prepare children for 4-year-old preschool and primary school

Participation in the program is optional but strongly encouraged to support your child’s development during this critical early stage.

Our Participating Centres

We are proud to be partnering with the South Australian Government to deliver this initiative at the following 14 Stepping Stone (SA) locations:

If your child currently attends one of these centres or you’re considering enrolment, please get in touch with our participating centres directly for more information about the program.

FAQs

Will this program affect my current fees?

No. Your childcare fees will remain the same. The 15 hours of preschool provided under the Flying Start program are funded by the South Australian Government and delivered as part of your child’s existing day(s) at the centre.

This means there is no additional cost to families – but it also does not reduce your fees, as it is integrated into your child’s usual care and education.

Do I have to enrol my child in this program?

No. Enrolment in the 3-year-old preschool program is optional. However, we encourage families to consider the benefits of the Flying Start program for their child’s development and school readiness.

Will a qualified teacher be leading the program?

Yes. The Flying Start program requires that preschool is delivered by qualified early childhood teachers who follow a play-based curriculum aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework.

My child is enrolled at two different services. How does that work?

The 15 hours of government-funded preschool can only be claimed at one service. We recommend discussing your options with both providers to determine what works best for your family.

How do I know if my child is eligible?

In most cases, children who turn 3 years old on or before 30 April in the year they begin preschool will be eligible. Please speak with your Centre Director for confirmation.

Enquire about enrolment at one of our centres

Enrol today