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Preschool is the education for children before they enter compulsory primary education. It provides an environment conducive for the development of cognitive skills and emotional skills due to the child?s rapid brain growth in the early years. Because of this, preschools have a lasting effect in the improvement of the child.

Preschool education has always been the sole responsibility of the education departments of the states and territories in Australia. Preschool services are offered by the government, community and private organizations. Preschools can be stand-alone services, offered by schools or provided in child care centres.

Children who are about four years of age or a year before they start compulsory primary education are those who may attend preschool. There are also programs for indigenous children or children with special needs and disabilities, as well as gifted and talented children. Preschool sessions are limited to only 12 hours per week in most states and territories, while the average attendance in New South Wales is 17 hours per week.

Tips on preparing your child for preschool

• Visit the school with your child. The more familiar your child is with the people and the school, the easier it will be for your child to settle into preschool.
• Know all your child?s needs for preschool. Talk to the teacher about requirements and other necessary personal items your child may need.
• Train your child to be independent. Teach your child to care for themselves and their belongings to make them feel more confident at preschool.
• Always keep the school and teacher informed of any situations that may have an impact on the emotional and academic well-being of your child.
• Participate in activities in the preschool to assure your child that you are interested in them.

Tips for choosing the best school for your children

• Choose a school based on leadership instead of choosing whether public or private. If the leadership of the school is good, then you can expect the best service and education for your children.
• The school must share the same values as your family. Consider the policies in place regarding behavior, punctuality and dress codes.
• Does the school provide opportunities for growth other than in academics? A school must also provide extra-curricular activities that would hone the skills and talents of the child.
• The school must have a procedure regarding disciplinary issues that would support the child.
• It is important for a school to have a Parent Teacher Association to foster interaction between students and other members of the community.
• A good school does not enforce a single religion or ideal to the students, instead it promotes the growth of open-minded students who are interested in learning about spirituality.
• The school must have activities and projects that help the community for the child to develop empathy and a sense of social justice.
• Consider the costs of sending your child to a particular school and see if you can afford them.