Geelong kindergarten participation rate project 2011

Research has clearly identified the long term benefits of young children attending an education program in the year before school. Participation in kindergarten is important in terms of children’s early learning, education and development. An extensive study into pre-school care and education by Sylva, Melhuish, Sammons, Siraj-Blatchford, Taggart & Elliot (2003) found that the quality of childcare affected the long-term capabilities of the child. “This study has demonstrated the positive effects of high quality pre-school provision on children’s intellectual and social behavioural development up to entry in primary school.” ( 2003, p.5).<div><br />The Project Partners initiated the research project to examine the factors which influence children’s participation in kindergartens within the Geelong region. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that the participation rate for some pre-school centres was significantly lower than others. The first part of the project – Phase One – was to collect and analyse participation rate data for thirteen pre-school in the Geelong region to identify any pre-schools where participation was low.</div>