Preschools and long day care services in the region will receive a funding boost, as part of the NSW Government's Preschool Drought Relief program.
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There are 38 services across the region including Goulburn, Yass and Crookwell will be eligible to submit an 'expression of interest' to receive additional drought relief funding.
The funding can be used to reduce fees, implement transport initiatives, staff training and environmental adjustments.
"This funding will ensure early childhood services in our region continue to operate, despite the potential drop in enrolments because of the drought," Mrs Tuckerman said.
"In tough conditions like these, it is vital we continue to ensure our children have access to normality and stability in the form of school and early childhood learning."
Anglicare, a provider of early learning services, is already benefiting from this funding.
Melissa Byrne, Director of Marulan and Orana preschools, says Anglicare welcomes the new funding.
"As more families are impacted by the drought, it's reassuring to know that this funding is flexible enough to allow us to offer additional and tailored support. We work with families who are struggling to make sure their children can still access services.
"Orana Preschool has installed new shade sails to offer greater sun protection for our children and renovations are underway to install water-saving taps in the children's bathroom."
Local mother, Kate, has two children participating in Anglicare's early learning programs. Her youngest son attends Anglicare's Family Day Care, and her oldest son attends Orana Preschool.
"Our family lives at Kingsdale and we're on rainwater but because of the drought we now have to pay for town water. It's stretching the family budget in ways we didn't expect.
"Knowing that services like Anglicare's will be resourced to help families if they need it is a real relief," says Kate.
Community and mobile preschools and long day care services in areas classified as 'Intense Drought', 'Drought' and 'Drought Affected' can submit their expressions of interest via the Department of Education.
Following the expressions of interest, funding will be allocated to services based on their size and level of drought intensity.
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