Preschool students from across metropolitan and regional NSW, show off their creative little minds with big ideas by answering some of life’s most meaningful questions in the video series discussions, highlighting the essential skills nurtured through participating in a preschool program ahead of primary school.
The Department of Education is committed to ensuring every child has the best possible chance to grow to their full potential and supporting families to access high quality early learning.
Dr. Sandra Cheeseman, Senior Lecturer, Department of Educational Studies at Macquarie University and former early childhood teacher, director and senior manager, said “Young children can teach us a lot from their experiences.”
“Children show us how much they know about things that are important to them. They are curious and eager to learn about their world and share their ideas. Watching how they interact at preschool illustrates how children of this age enjoy being with friends and creating opportunities to try out new things and learn from each other” she said.
Access to early childhood education gives children the best possible start, leaving a lasting impression throughout their adult lives. Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of five. Children who participate in quality preschool programs from the age of three or four, are more likely to arrive at school equipped with the social, cognitive and emotional skills they need to engage in learning.
“Finding the right balance and what works best for your child is the key with childhood early education” Dr. Cheeseman adds.
“There are a range of factors to consider to ensure your child gets what is needed from their individual experience in a preschool program.
“Research shows that access to at least 15 hours per week, or 600 hours per year, of quality preschool in the year before full-time school is linked to higher levels of educational success, greater health and wellbeing and better employment opportunities later in life.
“Further, children who are experiencing disadvantage gain the most from quality early childhood education and we need to work together to ensure all children have these opportunities.”
Each child who attends a preschool program has the opportunity to experience the life-long benefits of:
- Making friends
- Learning new things through play
- Increasing independence
- Participating in new routines, and;
- Feeling confident about starting school
Every child will benefit from attending a preschool program, however parents are advised to listen, consider research and find out more to identify the best service for their children’s needs.
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