Preschool to Prep chronology

1876-1900 | 1901-1925 | 1926-1950 | 1951-1975 | 1976-2000 | 2001-2007

Preschool to Prep: a brief chronology of the development and provision of early childhood education in Queensland, with an emphasis on the participation of the Queensland Government.

1926-1950

1930

• The 1930 syllabus included a formal preparatory grade to be completed over 1.5 years. Students attended for ½ day rather than a full day. In combination with Grade 1, this was defined as the Infant School work. Prep students were 4.5-5 years old. (see School admission and progression age:1875-2007)

1938

• Preparatory grade period increased to 2 years (Preps 1, 2, 3 & 4).

1940

• The Lady Gowrie Centres were established by the Commonwealth Government in each state as demonstration centres for children’s programs.

1943

• A Pre-School Co-ordinating Committee, with representation from the Crèche and Kindergarten Association and the Department took on responsibility for the state’s kindergartens. The Committee was to advise the department on creating a system of state preschool education.
• The government began reserving suitable land for preschools. The policy was not fully implemented until 1973.

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References

Logan, G & Clark, E 1984, State education in Queensland: a brief history,
Dept. of Education, Qld, Brisbane.

Department of Education and Training, 1860- Annual Report.

Fazldeen, AD 1997, Creche and Kindergarten Association of Queensland: A brief history.

Preschool Education: 25th Anniversary data compilation.

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