Preschool Education

Definition of Terms Preschool Education

Last Updated Sep 7, 2008 08:10 AM

Equity of access differs between states and territories and differs in relation to various groups within the population.
A number of key factors arose and recurred throughout the inquiry process regarding equity and access to high quality preschool education.
The major issues raised through the inquiry regarding access and equity will be discussed in detail in this report but can be categorised as:
• Geographic location Differences exist between rural, remote and metropolitan areas in equitable access to preschool.
• Transport Many families are not able to access preschool due to lack of transport both within metropolitan and rural and remote areas of Australia.
• Cost In some states and territories, access to a preschool program is free and in others fees are charged. Fees and costs impact upon families’ capacity to access.
• Children with special needs Many children with special needs have greater difficulty in accessing high quality preschool programs.
• Indigenous children In some areas the percentage of Indigenous children not able to access a preschool program is significantly higher than non- Indigenous children.
• Links between schools and preschool programs In some states and territories, continuity of curriculum, links and support services to parents exist between preschools and schools but in others this does not occur. CALD children have significantly lower access to preschool programs in many areas around the country.
• Links between preschool programs and other related health and community service programs Some preschool programs are linked directly with other childcare, health and community service supports.
• Resourcing A significant lack of adequate funding and support structures exists for some preschool programs, particularly for children with special needs and for Indigenous groups.

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