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When did the preparatory year start in Queensland?
In 2007, State, Catholic and Independent schools in Queensland commenced non-compulsory, full-time preparatory education. Until then, the preparatory year had been phased-in at 96 state and non-state schools in 2005. An extra 20 state and 5 non-state schools were phased in during 2006.

How will the new preparatory year change the school starting age?
From 2008, the compulsory school starting age will increase by six months. Children must be six by 30 June in the year they enrol in Year 1. Now, children can start Year 1 if they turn six any time during that year. However, the preparatory year is non-compulsory and is not a requirement before children begin Year 1.

When can my child enrol in the preparatory year?
Children will need to be five by 30 June in the year they start in the preparatory class.

Why did the Government introduce a preparatory year?
National and international research highlights the importance of quality full-time early education and smooth transitions to formal schooling to aid children's long-term educational outcomes. An external evaluation of the 2003 Preparing for School trial showed that the full-time preparatory year program was highly successful in promoting children's social-emotional development and their communication, numeracy, literacy and motor skills.

Will my child be disadvantaged if they do not attend a preparatory year?
The preparatory year is designed to provide children with a solid base to the early years of education and make the move to Year 1 easier. The preparatory year curriculum has been developed to link with the early years of school. Some parents may wish to continue with the option of using other providers and/or the family to provide quality child care experiences prior to school.

Will school fees at non-state schools increase?
The Independent and Catholic sectors decide the fees charged at their schools. Any increase in fees would not be attributed solely to a preparatory year.

How will I get my child enrolled in the preparatory year?
Enrolment in the preparatory year will be the same process as currently exists for Year 1. Contact your local school. The Education Queensland website includes a directory of all schools in Queensland.

Will there be early entry to the preparatory year?
Currently, processes exist for parents from both Queensland and interstate to seek early entry to Year 1 for their children and this will continue. A small number of children in exceptional circumstances have qualified for early entry and this is not expected to change. Whether this policy will apply to children in the preparatory year is currently being considered.

If the preparatory year is non-compulsory, does my child have to attend five days a week?
Yes. Children enrolled in the preparatory year are expected to attend full-time, to obtain maximum benefit from the program.

How formal will the preparatory year be?
The preparatory program is child-centred and inquiry-based. During play children learn as they engage socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually with people, objects and symbols. For example, children are developing their physical skills by daily sessions on an obstacle course or building their literacy skills through language games.

Will preparatory students have to wear a uniform?
Schools make decisions about uniforms through their Parents and Citizens' Association. It is best to discuss this with the school at the time of enrolment.

Will children in the preparatory class be able to have rest time?
In trial schools, teachers have responded to the needs of the children by providing rest time where appropriate.

Who will teach my child?
State preschool and other qualified and experienced early childhood teachers will have the opportunity to teach the preparatory year from 2007. With their professional knowledge and expertise, these teachers are ideally placed to deliver the preparatory year curriculum. As well, the Government will employ more than 100 new teachers to teach the preparatory year in 2007, with early childhood teachers being given first preference.

The Queensland Studies Authority will receive $1.2 million to develop and deliver professional training for preparatory year teachers in state and non-state schools.

What will children be learning?
The Queensland Early Years Curriculum is being developed by the Queensland Studies Authority. The preparatory year helps children develop skills and knowledge that are important for success in school. These include:

• listening, responding to and giving directions
• understanding and using language to group sort and describe objects and to communicate ideas, feelings and needs
• developing literacy and numeracy through a range of learning contexts
• becoming independent thinkers and problem solvers
• learning how to cooperate with others
• developing motor coordination skills.

Children participate in real life events such as cooking, shopping, gardening, and excursions into the local community.

Will children learn to read and write in the preparatory year?
The draft Early Years Curriculum Guidelines provide scope for teachers to address specific learning needs of children in their classes. Those children showing and interest in and a readiness to participate in early literacy and numeracy experiences such as early reading and writing will be supported.

How will my child's learning continue after the preparatory program?
The learning program in Year 1 will be shaped to provide continuity of children's learning and development from the preparatory class.

What services are available for my child prior to the preparatory year?
Community kindergartens and childcare providers will provide programs for children prior to the preparatory year. Children may be able to access these programs or childcare until they are eligible to start their preparatory year.

The State Government provides funding to the Crèche and Kindergarten Association and this support will continue. The Government will work with this sector to ensure their services complement the new preparatory year.

Will my child be able to go to school aged care?
It is anticipated that preparatory children will be eligible for school aged care. The Department of Education and the Arts and Department of Communities will work together to progress this issue.