Regional Development Australia is looking into early childhood education and care across the region and wants to hear from the community.

RDA is interested in the need for early childhood education and care to support young children and their families and, in turn, help employers to attract and retain staff. 

It says access to education and care services, including long daycare and preschool/kindergarten, improves educational outcomes for children and engagement in employment and study for families.

“Early childhood education and care affects everyone, from how well our children thrive, to how families balance life, and even how local businesses grow.

“Access to early learning isn’t just a family issue. It’s an economic one too, with impacts in the broader community.”

Parents, employers and early childhood service providers are encouraged to complete an anonymous online survey about what is needed to support children, families and employers in the local region.

It will take about 10 minutes to complete and will contribute to evidence-based advocacy to the government for better planning and investment in this critical area.

Anyone who prefers to give feedback in person can drop in to a community information session next week.

Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island sessions will be as follows:

• Yankalilla library – Tuesday 10 March 10.30am to 11.30am.
• Manna Studio, McLaren Vale - Tuesday 10 March 2pm to 3pm.
• Victor Harbor Library – Wednesday 11 March 3pm to 4pm.
• Goolwa Children’s Centre – Thursday 12 March 11am, to 12noon.
• YMCA Strathalbyn - Thursday 12 March 1pm to 2pm.
• Kangaroo Island Community Centre – Monday 16 March 12noon to 1pm.

This survey is funded by the state government through the Office for Early Childhood Development.