Preschool Education

Variation Of Preschool Education In Australia

Last Updated Oct 5, 2008 02:42 AM

Costs to parents are a major barrier to preschool access, particularly in NSW and Victoria.
Lack of qualified early childhood teachers impacts upon the quality and number of preschool programs available in some areas of Australia.
Lack of adequate funding, resources and supports for preschool education for children with special needs are a significant barrier to equity and access.
Different government department responsibility for childcare, preschool and school is a challenge, particularly in Victoria and NSW.
There are huge gaps in curriculum continuity for children, and transition from preschool to school is more challenging.
Pay and award differences are significant and often create debate and division between services.
Lack of links between services adds complexity and difficulty for families and children in understanding what to access and how to access appropriate services and programs.
Differences in terminology for preschool and the first year of school reflect a fragmentation of preschool programs across Australia and are particularly problematic for families who move between states.
Differences in age of entry to preschool and the first year of school create further confusion for families and inequity for children across Australia.
Significant differences in content and organisation of curriculum for preschool across Australia promote inconsistency.
This also inhibits development of a national perspective about learning and expected outcomes for children in the preschool year.
Significant differences in government funding levels and models contribute to unequal access to preschool education across Australia.
The inquiry found significant barriers currently exist across Australia, which prevent universal access to preschool education.

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