Full-day pre-primary schooling will generate jobs

The introduction of optional full-day pre-primary schooling for five-year-olds will generate jobs for 1,200 Western Australians within three years, Education, Employment and Training Minister Kay Hallahan said today.

Mrs Hallahan said 600 new teachers and 600 teaching aides would be required to provide full-day schooling for the State's 21,000 five-year-olds.

The Minister said the decision - a key commitment in the Premier's Social Advantage package - would give children the best start in life.

It was also good news for many unemployed teaching graduates.

"Early childhood education is a popular course and there is usually an oversupply of teachers with qualifications in this area.

"From next year, many more qualified early childhood teachers and teaching aides will have job opportunities."

Mrs Hallahan said in 1993 an additional 200 teachers and 200 teaching aides would be required.