The programs will boost screening of children up to the age of five, with key checks at 12 and 18 months, as well as at two, three and four years old.

Ordinarily, children receive development assessments through the health system up until they turn one, but participation falls away as they get older.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said early development was critical in giving every child the best start in life, with the first 1000 days crucial to brain and social development.

"Children starting school developmentally behind their peers can have difficulty catching up, so these pilots are part of improving the reach of early childhood checks," he said.

"These checks will provide vital information to ensure children are supported in the best way possible by identifying any issues early so the appropriate support can be put in place before school starts."

The pilot programs will be provided by the Caring Futures Institute at Flinders University in collaboration with Goodstart Early Learning and by Playgroup SA.

They will be delivered at playgroups and early learning centres across metropolitan and regional areas.

Both programs will run until December 2023.

Australian Associated Press