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Preschool education describes the education of children prior to the age when they are deemed prepared for formal group schooling; i.e., kindergarten or first grade in elementary school. Preschool is generally considered appropriate for children three- to Major findings
From a national perspective, this inquiry found that preschool education is characterised by fragmentation, varying degrees of quality, no equitable access, and without a national vision, commitment or consistent approach.
The number of different approaches, funding formulas, terminology, child ratios, curriculum, costs, delivery hours and models promote inequity across Australia for young children in their preschool year.
The enormous variation of preschool education in Australia results in more “luck of the ... REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO THE PROVISION OF UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY PRESCHOOL EDUCATION
Foreword
Parents and researchers agree that the best start achild can have in life involves love, care and earlyeducation. Children who attend preschool havea better chance of succeeding at school and inlater life.
Yet more than 40,000 children in Australiamiss out on preschool education every year.
Children from the most disadvantaged familiesare more likely to miss out, including manyIndigenous children.
As a relatively wealthy coun... |