I wonder why governments do not listen to early childhood educators and psychologists regarding prep programs?

It was with great interest to hear child psychologists present sound reasoning for a later entry into school for some children. They were referring to the little ones who demonstrate immaturity and slower developmental progress. And this was on a Current affair program on national TV, maybe some important government decision makers were also watching and listening. A couple of psychologists talked about 7 years old as a starting age. I can only agree and wish that we followed Norway's practice of enrolling children into formal school at this age, evidence shows that overall students perform better academically compared to other countries that start children at a much earlier age.

Having worked as an early education teacher, I fully support a child centred play based early education program, it is a marvellous way for little children to learn, develop and have fun. I always found such individuality amongst the children in my classes, not all children fit the same mould. So I have never supported the new prep program that has a curriculum with big formal academic component with some play hacked on the end of it!

All Australian States have prep programs designed for children aged 5 year olds! Two of the States, Queensland and Tasmania have gone the extra step by making prep compulsory. Prep is a teacher based education program. The advice of early childhood educators and psychologists went unheeded as the early education prep program policies and legislation were formed.

How can all young children who are at various stages of development and readiness possibly sit at tables doing set tasks and learn sounds, letters, basic reading, writing and number? You see some children go to prep who have not yet established their mid-line, nor worked out their left to right direction or even hold a pen, let along write their names. All these are basic requirements of children in the prep program.

The children who have good language ability and are cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically ready to learn thrive while the children who are immature or developmentally not ready do not fare well with the program. They are the children who are highly likely to develop work related anxieties, a dislike to learning and perhaps school, behavioural issues and even sadness. These children are also likely to have learning difficulties from that this time on.

No wonder early childhood educators and psychologists are concerned for children with this program.

But the powers to be have not listened.



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Cheers

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