CHILDREN with a disability will be given more support to attend community preschool under an overhaul of funding announced by the NSW government.
The new Preschool Disability Support Program will make $17 million available to community preschools in NSW — including an extra $2 million to directly support young children each year.
Funding for children with the highest needs will increase by 30 to 70 per cent, assisting children who previously were not getting the level of support they needed.
For the first time in NSW, all community preschools will receive funding to support children with low-level disabilities.
The funds will be distributed based on the total number of children included in the Preschool Funding Model. Preschools will not have to apply to receive it.
The new program replaces the Supporting Children with Additional Needs and Intervention Support Program for community preschools.
Community preschools will also be able to apply for funding on behalf of specific children following discussions with parents.
Funding will be provided at three levels, depending on the amount of assistance needed for a child to attend preschool.
Applications open November for the 2015 school year.
