The South Australian opposition will investigate revamping school hours and after school care to bring the state's education system "into the 21st century", if Labor wins the March state election.
Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas on Monday released the terms of reference for a proposed Royal Commission into Education Services for SA children.
"For many, the traditional 9am to 3pm school day just isn't compatible with their modern working hours, particularly for dual-income households or single working parents," Mr Malinauska said.
"I am determined to modernise the school day and bring it into the 21st Century.
"This is a serious plan for the future. A once-in-a-generation overhaul of early childhood education in South Australia."
The inquiry will look at how all South Australian families can access out of school hours care at both preschool and primary school levels with a focus on accessibility, affordability and quality.
The royal commission will report back on how universal quality preschool programs for three-year-olds can be delivered in South Australia.
It will also examine how families are supported by health, parenting and education services in the 1000 days of a child's life including options for extending services and support.
Mr Malinauskas said modernising school hours would deliver broader economic benefits, improving productivity among working parents.
But Premier Steven Marshall said it was "extraordinary" that a plan for a royal commission was all Labor could come up with after four years in opposition.
"This is a poor excuse for policy," Mr Marshall said.
"Peter Malinauskas is saying, just trust us, we'll sort it out after the next election."
