There are specific options for students and their families in the country to access preschool, childcare, school learning resources and transport services to get to school.

Preschool (kindergarten) options in rural communities

In some country communities, preschool enrolments can be low or fluctuating.

To address this, there are alternative options available to provide children with a preschool service. These include:

• funding for a teacher to deliver 15 hours of preschool – where there are 6 or more enrolments
• integrating preschool children within the first years of school – where there are less than 6 enrolments
• funding a School Services Officer for 15 hours per week to support children being included in the first years of school – where there are 3 to 5 enrolments
• a supported playgroup or playcentre program as a 1-year arrangement only, while alternative preschool solutions are investigated.

We're exploring further options to reduce barriers and increase participation in early childhood education, as a part of the department’s Early Learning Strategy.

For more information, email Preschool Policy and Programs at Education.ECSupport [at] sa.gov.au .

Country childcare services

Through the rural care program, childcare services are integrated with some government preschools in country communities that don’t have other childcare options.

More community childcare solutions are being explored as a part of the department’s Early Learning Strategy.

For more information, contact your local preschool directly or email Preschool Policy and Programs at education.ecsupport [at] sa.gov.au .

Regional transport and school bus services

If students attend country schools 5km or more away from where they live, they can access school bus services.

There are currently 430 school bus services across country South Australia.

For more information about school buses, contact your local school directly.

For schools needing transport information

Schools seeking more information on regional school bus policies can contact education.transportservices [at] sa.gov.au or visit school bus requirements and responsibilities (staff log in required).

School libraries for the community

Some country schools offer their library service for community members. This can be a useful service for parents of preschoolers and non-school-age children to access books, resources and other activities.

Contact your local school directly to find out if they offer library services to the community.