Celebrating the Success of Ready, Set, Progress

Over the past three and a half years, the Ready, Set, Progress child development check pilot program, delivered by Playgroup SA in partnership with the Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD), has made a lasting impact on families and communities across South Australia. As the pilot program comes to a close, we are proud to reflect on what has been achieved together:

What Ready, Set, Progress achieved

• Delivered over 2,500 developmental checks for children aged 1–5 years.
• Provided families with practical strategies and support while waiting for services.
• Supported families to connect with health and community services when additional support was needed.
• Offered culturally safe tools and resources for Aboriginal families.

• Strengthened local referral pathways and collaboration across services.

Our team of qualified Allied Health professionals worked closely with families and programs across South Australia, traveling as far as Port Augusta, Renmark, and Mt Gambier to ensure access for regional communities.

We are delighted to share that the program received 5-star reviews from playgroups, libraries, kindergyms, childcare centres, and families. This feedback highlights the value of delivering expert advice in familiar, community-based settings.

Thank you

We have loved working alongside families and community programs to support children during their critical early years. Your trust and collaboration have been the heart of Ready, Set, Progress.

From the 1 January 2026, Ready, Set, Progress will no longer offer child development checks.  If your child has already had a check through the pilot, you’ll continue to receive any required follow-up support until 30 April 2026. Stay connected for updates on our next steps – and thank you for being part of this journey!

Families can still access free child health and development checks for all children from birth to 5 years through:

• Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) – call 1300 733 606
• Nunkuwarrin Yunti – Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation

Families are encouraged to participate in routine child health and development checks at 1 – 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 months, 18 – 24 months, 3 years and 4 – 5 years.

Child health and development checks are also available through:

• Participating long day care and preschool providers – ask your provider or visit the OECD website for more information; and

General Practitioners (GPs) and other health services – fees may apply.

If you need any additional support, such as an interpreter, please discuss this with your chosen provider.