A Labor federal government would establish a national preschool and Kindy program guaranteeing every three- and four-year-old access to quality early education, member for Shortland Pat Conroy said.
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"Research tells us that 90 per cent of a child’s brain develops before age five, and at least two years of quality early learning has a big impact," Mr Conroy said.
The former Labor government’s four-year-old preschool program had been a success, "with more than 90 per cent of four-year-olds" now enrolled in preschool programs, Mr Conroy said.
"But only 57 per cent of three-year-olds are in early learning programs, well below the OECD average of 78 per cent.
"Labor will work with the states and territories and the sector to lift that to 90 per cent by 2023."
The local MP spoke of the policy while officially opening the Great Beginnings early childhood centre in Speers Point on Saturday.
The centre offers children smart boards, interactive touchpads, yoga and mindfulness lessons.
It has 104 children enrolled, and 20 staff, headed by centre manager Peta Rufo.
“Our aim is to create a nurturing educational experience to ensure children adopt a love of learning right from the start,” Ms Rufo told the Lakes Mail.
