Wellbeing Snapshots

Children enrolled in a preschool program

In South Australia, children may start in a preschool program in the year before commencing in school full time. A preschool program (also known as kindergarten) is a structured, play based learning program delivered by a degree qualified teacher.

In 2018, a total of 19,725 children had been enrolled in a preschool program in the year before commencing school full time (an increase since 2016). The proportions of enrolments for 3-5 year olds in 2018 were:

• 3 year olds – 55% (53% in 2016)
• 4 year olds – 90% (88% in 2016)
• 5 year olds – 18% (17% in 2016).

In metropolitan Adelaide, the two regions with the highest enrolments were Onkaparinga (2,069) and Salisbury (1,809). In regional/remote South Australia, the two regions with the highest enrolments were Murray and Mallee (830) and Limestone Coast (777).

In South Australia, the proportion of all children (3-5 years) enrolled in preschool has increased from 2016 to 2018.

Aboriginal children in preschool

In South Australia, Aboriginal children may start preschool when they turn 3. Also known as kindergarten, a preschool program is a structured, play based learning program, delivered by a degree qualified teacher.

In 2018, there were 1,924 Aboriginal children aged 3-5 years enrolled in a preschool program in South Australia (798 aged 3 years, 909 aged 4 years and 217 aged 5 years).

The proportion of Aboriginal children aged 3 years enrolled in a preschool program in South Australia in 2018 was 82%. This is an increase from 62% in 2013.

In the region which covers Adelaide, Mount Gambier, the Riverland, Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island there were 1,364 Aboriginal children aged 3-5 years enrolled in a preschool program. In the region of which covers Port Augusta, Whyalla, Coober Pedy and most of the Far North communities there were 423 Aboriginal children aged 3-5 years enrolled in a preschool program. In the Port Lincoln – Ceduna region there were 135 enrolments for Aboriginal children aged 3-5 in a preschool program.