There are many early childhood education and care services available to families.

The Royal Commission will focus on how these services can support all children to succeed, as well as looking at universal preschool for 3-year-old children and the supports families might need to access quality education and care, including out of school hours care at all ages.

Some important words to understand

• Long day care - this is another name for child care and involves care and play-based learning for children aged 0-5 years. It can be delivered in a childcare centre or in a family day care setting.
• Preschool - this is another name for kindergarten or kindy and delivers play-based learning for children, primarily in the year before they start school. It may be delivered in a government preschool, an early learning centre or in long day care.
• Universal - this means offering services to everyone, regardless of their income, circumstances or where they live.

You can read more about the different types of early childhood education and care options on the SA.GOV.AU website.