A national expert in early childhood – who led the introduction of preschool changes in Victoria – has been appointed to lead the reform of the early years system in South Australia and the delivery of universal preschool for three-year-olds.

Kim Little has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the newly created Office for Early Childhood Development and will begin in January of next year, upon her relocation to South Australia, for a five-year term.

Ms Little comes to the role with a wealth of experience, previously leading the implementation of Victoria’s preschool and child information sharing reforms, as well as working closely across government with maternal and child health and family services portfolios. Ms Little’s work has focused on the delivery of universal three-year-old kindergarten.

Prior to this appointment, she was the Deputy Secretary for Early Childhood Education in Victoria and has also held senior roles in both higher education and skills policy and education strategy.

Ms Little’s appointment as Chief Executive follows the delivery of the final report outlining the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care in South Australia.

New CE Kim Little has said she is thrilled to taking on the role that is implementing three-year-old preschool in South Australia.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the profession and partners across the sector and government to make these reforms a reality in the lives of South Australia’s young children and families.”

“There is no more important investment than the early years and I look forward to working with the Minister and the Premier who share my passion for the early years and the benefits it will deliver for generations of families”, she said.

The Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care spoke with parents and caregivers, experts in early childhood development, service providers, leaders and unions, before handing down its findings earlier this year.

A total of 13 recommendations were immediately accepted by the State Government, with further analysis of the recommendations underway.

Dr Peta Smith has been appointed acting Chief Executive of the Office for Early Childhood Development in the interim. Dr Smith is currently the Executive Director of Strategic Policy and External Relations at the Department for Education. She leads the Department for Education’s division that supports strategic policy development, international engagement, communications and intergovernmental relations.

Dr Smith’s work this year will focus on legislative reform and the establishment of the office more broadly.