A Flying Start for Kids at Green Leaves Early Learning
Preschool for 3-year-olds is now coming to six Green Leaves Early Learning Centres in South Australia
We’re thrilled to share that six Green Leaves Early Learning Centres across South Australia have been chosen to deliver the Flying Start for Kids program. This is a major new initiative by the South Australian Government that offers up to 15 hours of teacher-led, play-based preschool each week for eligible 3-year-olds, starting January 2026.
Welcoming a program like this is a huge milestone in early childhood education and we’re proud to be leading the way. The following Green Leaves Early Learning Centres have been selected to partner with the South Australian Government:
What is the Flying Start for Kids program?
The Flying Start for Kids program is part of a statewide reform to improve developmental outcomes for young children by giving them access to an extra year of high-quality preschool before they start school. If your child attends one of our six chosen Green Leaves Centres in South Australia, you’ll receive this program. Based on strong evidence and a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, the program focuses on:
Qualified early childhood teachers leading engaging, play-based learning.
No additional cost to eligible families, with a focus on supporting the children who need it most.
Smaller group sizes and tailored support for every child’s individual needs.
What does the Flying Start for Kids program mean for your child?
Teacher-led, play-based learning
A qualified Early Childhood Teacher will lead your child’s preschool experience, supported by a team of nurturing Educators. The program is designed to build confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills that set children up for lifelong learning.
The program allows us to create rich, responsive programs tailored to your child’s unique developmental needs.
No extra cost for families
The Flying Start for Kids program is funded by the South Australian Government and provided at no additional cost to families beyond usual long day care fees. It is seamlessly integrated into your child’s existing day at Green Leaves, with the added value of a structured, government-supported preschool experience.
Even higher-quality resources and programs
Green Leaves Educators will benefit from funded, ongoing professional learning to stay at the forefront of early childhood education, which means your child gets the best from a highly skilled and up-to-date team.
Thanks to the Preschool Boost funding as part of the Flying Start for Kids program, our Centres will access even greater evidence-based resources to continue supporting and enriching every child’s experience.
Is your child eligible?
If your child turns three in 2026 and is enrolled at one of our Green Leaves Early Learning Centres, they may be eligible to access up to 15 hours of preschool per week.
Children experiencing developmental vulnerability may be prioritised for access under the program’s inclusion policy. Aboriginal children and children in out-of-home care remain entitled to 15 hours of preschool from the date of their third birthday.
Join an early learning environment that grows with your child
At Green Leaves, we believe early learning should be nurturing, inspiring, and empowering. Being selected to deliver the Flying Start for Kids program reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and giving every child the best possible start. We can’t wait to welcome your little one into this exciting new chapter.
An overview of the Flying Start for Kids program roll-out
|
Where |
Hours |
Program |
Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
From 2026 to 2032 |
The Flying Start for Kids program will begin rolling out in stages from 2026. It starts by partnering with long day care centres, like Green Leaves, across the state, along with government and other sessional preschools in regional communities. |
From 2026, the Flying Start for Kids program will provide between 6 and 15 hours a week, depending on each Centre’s capacity, staffing and facilities. |
Quality, teacher-led, play-based and age-appropriate learning. |
Fees will be set by each provider. If you access preschool through a chosen provider, like Green Leaves, you can claim the Commonwealth Childcare Subsidy (CCS).** |
|
From 2032 and beyond |
The Flying Start for Kids program will be available across all of South Australia. |
15 hours a week*, 600 hours per year. |
Quality, teacher-led, play-based and age-appropriate learning. |
Fees will be set by each provider. If you access preschool through a chosen provider, like Green Leaves, you can claim the Commonwealth Childcare Subsidy (CCS).** |
* Up to 30 hours will be available for children who need it the most.
**Eligibility for the childcare subsidy is determined by Commonwealth policy.
Find your nearest Green Leaves Early Learning Centre
Green Leaves Early Learning is proud to be part of communities all across Australia, with purpose-built centres designed to support the whole family.
Our beautiful, architecturally designed centres feature indoor-outdoor learning environments, on-site Chefs, and of course, the signature Parents Lounge.
