Researchers mapped the variation in preschool policies, and how they impact on what families pay, across all states and territories. Some places charge much higher fees than others.
One in five early childhood educators said they planned to leave their job within a year. It is vital we design a system and policies to ensure there are enough to meet the demand.
A large study shows preschool benefits Aboriginal children’s development more than childcare or being taken care of at home. But the benefits of preschool are not as large as for non-Aboriginal kids.
The NSW and Victorian preschool funding announcements are likely to increase the growing focus on early childhood education, which is shaping up to be a major issue.
Supporting a stable, well-funded preschool system across the country — as we do with school — is an important social and economic investment. But funding remains temporary and unstable.
Parents can find it difficult to choose a childcare service, given the plethora of types on offer. Here are three of the most well-known alternative educational philosophies explained.
A study found no statistically significant difference between the literacy and numeracy scores of school children who had attended preschool or childcare and children who didn’t.
Taryn Morrissey, American University School of Public Affairs
For US parents, the health, economic and social crisis the COVID-19 pandemic brought about is compounded by the difficult if not impossible task of working, caring for and educating kids.
Childcare will be free for many Australian parents to help families and a struggling sector through the COVID-19 crisis. But there is much confusion around how this new system works.
Quality preschool can deliver $2 for every $1 from government. But families are paying more for it than if they sent their child to private primary school. Some forego quality for affordability.
Many families already shop around for childcare and still face major barriers such as availability. And shopping around is not a realistic option for many living in disadvantaged areas.
One-quarter of children who start school aren’t developmentally ready. Play-based learning in the early years of school can help with the transition, as well as providing a host of other benefits.
Their initial grants do not insist upon filing reports that might indicate what works best. And without more affordable housing, the problem is sure to continue.