Local educators and officials are welcoming the decision to keep an influx of cash aimed at providing cost-free early childhood education available through 2021.
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Originally introduced as part of the state government's response to the economic strains of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the measure was recommitted to in the November state budget.
During a visit to Dubbo and District Preschool by Dugald Saunders and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell, president of the management committee Lisa Hall said the extension of the program had provided a salve for parents.
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"To be able to access quality, childhood education fee-free, I don't know that there's really words to describe it, but they are so very, very grateful that they can access it without having to compromise or find money in their budget," Ms Hall said.
Dubbo and District Preschool business manager Kristen McWhirter said numbers at the school had been hard to keep up with, with many parents now on the waiting list for future consideration, in a showing of how important the earliest stages of education can be.
"Parents really want their children prepped, there's a high expectation that when children go to school later, that they'll be ready for school," Ms McWhirter said.
Mr Saunders welcomed the return of the initiative, saying it would help parents cope with the economic uncertainty of COVID.
"There has been so much uncertainty in communities because of COVID but we didn't want a situation where people had to make a decision between sending their kids to preschool or spending that money on other living costs," Mr Saunders said.
"The years prior to school are vital to a child's development, and it's great that this program has not only kept children at preschool but also provided certainty to the wonderful people who work in the early childhood learning sector."
