The Government of South Australia is rolling out a 3-year-old preschool program from 2026, to give every child a flying start in life. The means that all 3-year-old children across the state will have access to 15 hours per week of teacher-led preschool by 2032.
South Australia Preschool Program
How It Works
If your child attends a long day care that has partnered with the government to deliver 3-year-old preschool, they will receive their program there.
If your child is not enrolled in a long day care that has partnered with the government to deliver 3-year-old preschool, you may be able to attend a government preschool or long day care service offering this program. More places will become available as the reform rolls out.
Why It Matters to Your Child
More than 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of 5. There early years are the perfect time to build a child’s confidence, curiosity and important life skills.
What to expect from 3-Year-Old Preschool
The new teacher-led 3-year-old preschool program is designed around play-based learning. This may include:
- Fun, purposeful activities that encourage social skills, exploration, and curiosity.
- Opportunities for child-led discovery that helps children become confident communicators and involved learners.
- A safe and supportive environment for developing self-identity and emotional resilience.
- Outdoor play to support health, wellbeing and exploration.
- Celebrating Aboriginal and other cultures.
Physical Health and Wellbeing
What it means
This domain is about children’s physical capacity, including motor skills, coordination, energy levels, and healthy self-care habits.
What learning looks like
In the preschool years, children are developing both gross motor skills (running, jumping, climbing) and fine motor skills (holding pencils, using scissors, threading beads). EYLF connections include Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing, as they learn to care for their bodies and develop independence in daily routines.
What teachers do
Our teachers plan daily opportunities for physical play indoors and outdoors, set up obstacle courses, design art and craft activities to strengthen fine motor control, and embed healthy habits through routines like handwashing, rest, and healthy eating.
Assessment Strategies
Educators use observation notes, photos, and developmental checklists to track progress in physical skills and self-care abilities, noting milestones such as correct pencil grip or confident climbing.
Social Competence
What it means
This domain focuses on children’s ability to get along with others, follow routines, and participate in group activities.
What learning looks like
In the preschool setting, children learn to share, take turns, negotiate, and build friendships. We will see evidence of children being active learners and concerned citizens of their environments. Children will engage with cultural resources, events and rituals and we will see children begin to recognise and develop respect for differences. EYLF connections include Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity, and Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
What teachers do
Our teachers design group experiences such as collaborative games, shared art projects, and role-play scenarios. They model positive social interactions and support children in problem-solving and cooperation.
Assessment Strategies
Educators observe social behaviours during play, track participation in group routines, and document children’s ability to manage transitions and follow instructions in a group setting.
Language and Cognitive Skills (School-Based)
What it means
This domain covers early literacy and numeracy, problem-solving, and memory skills that create the building blocks for formal schooling.
What learning looks like
In our preschool program, children engage in letter recognition, phonemic awareness, early writing, number concepts, pattern recognition, and hands-on problem-solving. We will see children developing critical, adaptive, and inventive thinking skills. EYLF connections include Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners, and Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators.
What teachers do
Our teachers provide rich literacy experiences such as storytelling, shared reading, and phonics games, alongside numeracy activities such as counting, sorting, measuring, and exploring shapes and puzzles. Learning is play-based, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.
Assessment Strategies
Educators collect samples of children’s drawings and writing, track number recognition and counting skills, and record problem-solving approaches during structured and unstructured activities.
Communication Skills and General Knowledge
What it means
This domain focuses on how children express themselves and understand others, as well as their general awareness of the world.
What learning looks like
Preschoolers use language to ask questions, share ideas, retell stories, and explain their thinking. They also gain knowledge about nature, community, and culture. We will see children engaging in collaboration and sharing of information between peers and educators. EYLF connections include Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators, and Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
What teachers do
Teachers foster rich conversations, extend children’s vocabulary, and encourage storytelling and news-sharing sessions. They provide experiences that expand children’s general knowledge, such as science experiments, cultural celebrations, and nature play.
Assessment Strategies
Educators listen for and record new vocabulary, track children’s ability to follow and retell stories, and assess comprehension and general knowledge through discussions and play-based activities.
Why Families Choose Our Preschool Program
Our Preschool Program:
- Is delivered by a degree-qualified Early Childhood Teacher
- Offers flexibility of attendance as part of our long day care hours
- Uses the EYLF curriculum to guide learning
- Is government approved and funded* (conditions apply)
- Gives children the opportunity to learn and grow in a familiar and comfortable environment they already know and trust
Eden Academy’s Preschool Program offers a high-quality, play-based learning experience that nurtures every aspect of a child’s development. By combining the AEDC domains with the EYLF curriculum, we ensure children build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need for a successful transition to school. With a supportive environment, degree-qualified teachers, and strong family partnerships, we provide the ideal foundation for children to become capable, curious, and resilient learners.
