What is the advantage of preschool?

“So many of the factors affecting the success of a child’s formal education start well before formal schooling.” Professor Fiona Stanley.

There is consistent international evidence that children who have participated in high-quality preschool education programs gain significant long-term benefits from what has been termed the ‘preschool advantage’ (Farrar, et al, 2007).

These include:

higher levels of completed education and subsequent employment;
greater stability in relationships and lower rates of mental illness (Farrar, et al, 2007).

While the evidence indicates that all children benefit from high quality preschool education, the gains are greatest for children from disadvantaged family backgrounds (Cunha, et al, 2006; Sylva, et al, 2004).

NSW Preschools funded by Community Services receive additional funding for families that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or are low-income Health Care Card holders. This additional funding allows the service to reduce barriers to preschool access, targeting these families.

(Source: Policy Brief No 10 2008: Rethinking School Readiness)