Two years of preschool: a lifetime of value
Early childhood education sets children up for life.
Victoria is leading the way on universal access to preschool education, with free kinder for all three- and four-year-olds. Now, we need to see this replicated across the country.
Access to high-quality early years education has come to be recognised as a fundamental human right for children across the world.
Experts agree that the first few years in a child’s life are the most important time for brain development and also key to building good social and emotional skills, which will smooth a child’s transition into school.
Children who attend preschool can expect to achieve greater academic success, have better career prospects, better health and stronger family and personal relationships.
In fact, a recent report from the Mitchell Institute estimates that every dollar spent on early childhood education returns an economic benefit to Australian society between 2 and 4 dollars.
The most transformational policy intervention the federal government could make is to fund two years of preschool, delivered by degree-qualified teachers, for all children.
The Preschool Funding Now! campaign is calling on the government to commit to a high-quality, permanently funded preschool sector. Join us and help ensure every child in Australia gets the best start in life.
What do we want to achieve?
We want the federal Morrison government to commit to its share of permanent funding for two full years of preschool for every three and four-year-old child.
What can AEU members do?
1. Tell us your stories
Our campaign is most powerful when we can put a human face on it. Download this handout and fill out your details so that we can share your story on social media and with decision-makers.
2. Invite your federal MP to visit
We're urging all AEU members to contact their local federal MP and invite them to experience your preschool program in action. Show them what a difference early education is making for the children at your preschool!
3. Ask to meet with your MP
If your local MP won't come to you, request a meeting at their office - and, if possible, take along a delegation of parents. Explain why every child deserves access to a high-quality and affordable preschool education.
Campaign resources
Here's a handy campaign fact sheet to share with colleagues, parents and politicians.
You can find your local MP here.
Here's a brief guide to lobbying politicians.
If you organise a meeting, hurrah! Please use this feedback form to let us know how it went.
Why two years of preschool?
Numerous Australian and international studies show two years of preschool improves children's social and emotional skills, and gives them the knowledge and skills to better succeed in education and in life.
Quality preschool makes a significant, life-long difference to a child's educational and developmental outcomes, especially for those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.
There are also significant economic benefits to society as a whole, with research showing every dollar invested in early years education returns up to $4 through increased employment, better health and improved life chances.
Two years of preschool is the international standard in developed countries.
The research says two years better than one
The OECD has found that students who attend pre-primary education perform better in school. The benefit of two years of preschool is even higher.
The Mitchell Institute says “moving to universal access to two years of preschool can be an affordable, achievable and effective way for us to achieve greater and more equitable outcomes for Australian children”.
Even the federal government's own review into preschool funding confirmed the overwhelming benefits of two years of early years education with a qualified teacher; and argued that the Commonwealth has a responsibility to provide affordable, accessible access for all three and four-year-olds.