Over 85,000 children are being covered by the 20 Hours Free Early Childhood Education policy and the Government is increasing hourly rate it pays services, Education Minister Chris Carter said today.
The policy has been in place for a year.
Mr Carter said nearly 80 per cent ofservices, about 2300, eligible to offer 20 Hours Free had taken it up.
"Next month ABC Learning Centres, the largest provider still outside the scheme, will be joining up to 20 Hours Free," he said.
"A further commitment to ECE sees the rates for 20 Hours Free had increased from July 1, 2008. All day services with 100 per cent registered teachers, for instance, will now receive $12.26 per hour, up from $10.89 when 20 Hours Free ECE was introduced.
"All day services with between 50 and 79 per cent registered teachers will receive funding of $9.75 per hour, up from $8.91 last year."
Mr Carter said following the settlement of the kindergarten teachers' collective employment agreement in February 2008 the government has increased funding rates for kindergartens from July 1 2008.
