The AGE underlines Academics concern that tutoring preschoolers is a distraction from play-based learning.
The AGE points out that sending pre-schoolers to tutoring even before they turn up for their first day at kindergarten school is a worrying trend. According to the paper, one tutoring college says preschool enrolments have increased 45 per cent in five years.
Best Start Kindergarten Assessment is a mandatory, one-on-one assessment designed to identify each student's literacy and numeracy skills at the beginning of Kindergarten. But, the AGE points out that as NSW Department of Education says, it is not a test.
However, it understands that parents may start to be concerned following the announcement by federal Minister for Education Simon Birmingham of a new phonics test.
The AGE says that not surprisingly some parents will want to advance their child's performance and are choosing to opt for preschool tutoring to give them "a head start". However, it explains, Academics are concerned that such tutoring is a distraction from play-based learning.
The paper believes that it is the most rewarding aspect to parenthood to watch their children learn through play and discovery. The AGE underlines that the early formative years are precious and all too quickly will be gone and there will be plenty of opportunity for extra tutoring.
