Flying Start grants
Strengthening the early childhood workforce for 3-year-old preschool
The Government of South Australia has launched 2 new grant programs to help build and support local early childhood workforces prepare for the roll-out of 3-year-old preschool from 2026.
These grants are part of the $96.6 million Early Childhood Workforce Strategy to build a skilled, supported and highly valued workforce critical o the state’s 3-year-old preschool roll-out.
Grant applications open Monday 10 February 2025.
Grant applications close Friday 21 March 2025.
Flying Start Workforce Grants
If your local community is finding it difficult to attract and retain early childhood staff, you may be eligible for a Flying Start Workforce Grant.
Flying Start Workforce Grants offer up to $100,000 for early childhood services and partner organisations to develop innovative, community-driven solutions to workforce challenges in rural, remote, and hard-to-staff locations.
These grants aim to bolster local capacity and lay the groundwork for quality 3-year-old preschool delivery from 2026.
Download the Flying Start Workforce Grants factsheet
Application steps
- Read the Flying Start Workforce Grants guidelines.
- Review the Application checklist – a guide to preparing your workforce grant application.
- Register to attend the information webinar, Tuesday 18 February 2025.
- Apply on SmartyGrants.
Flying Start Professional Network Grants
If you are an early childhood, community service, or allied health professional who is looking to foster collaboration or partnerships at the local level, your organisation may be eligible for a Flying Start Professional Network Grant.
Flying Start Professional Network Grants support the formation or expansion of professional networks to address childhood developmental vulnerability and enhance preschool delivery in local communities.
Initial funding will be offered for 2 years, with grants ranging from:
- up to $37,000 for metropolitan and inner regional networks
- up to $57,000 for outer regional and remote areas
- up to $185,000 for Aboriginal Professional Networks (statewide).
Grant recipients will be equipped to collaborate with other early childhood, allied health and community service professionals to better address child developmental vulnerability and support the delivery of 3-year-old preschool.
Download the Flying Start Professional Network Grants factsheet
Application steps
- Read the Flying Start Professional Network Grants guidelines.
- Review the Application checklist – a guide to preparing your professional networks grant application.
- Register to attend the information webinar, Monday 17 February 2025.
- Apply on SmartyGrants.
Have a question?
Check the Frequently asked questions.
Or email the OECD Workforce team.