PPA = Preschool Parents Association

We are privileged in the ACT to have access to free, high quality, preschool services. The ACT Education & Training Directorate promotes preschool education and provides a wealth of information about preschools' via its web site: Preschool Matters.

Details regarding all preschool services, enrolments and grants can be found at this site.

www.preschoolmatters.act.gov.au

Preschool Parent Associations

Our Preschool members have very proud and strong parent connections as they choose to participate as a Preschool Parents Association.
A Preschool Parent Association will generally consist of the following:

• President
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Fundraising Officer
• General Members

As an incorporated association these committed parents support their preschools to be strong community hubs within their school. At the heart of these groups is the strong belief that as contributing parents they can add value to their preschool and the preschool community. As PPA’s change from year to year the focus of these groups often changes and evolves according to the individual preschools’ needs.

A PPA will generally meet once or twice a term and in co-operation with their preschool educator will orgainse BBQ’s, Working Bees, fundraising activities to allow the parent group to make purchases that directly benefit the preschool and social activities.

The benefits of these groups is tricky to measure. Through a shared interest in your child’s preschool you are connecting with parents whom you may not have otherwise meet. This has the potential to create networks and friends with a similar focus – your pre-school aged child. These connections can continue throughout school and well into adult life. Preschools are the perfect entry point for both the child and adult to what comes next ie “big school”

Did you know that when preschools were first established in Canberra the parents fundraised and provided ALL of the play materials?

The government provided the building, staff and some basics and the PPA’s did the rest. That’s an incredible achievement over many, many years. CPS conducted an inventory audit on all its preschool and playschool members in 2014. Collectively over 24 preschools and 6 playschools our PPAs have approximately $ 450,000 worth of books alone! All contributed by conscientious parents over many years.

PPA’s provide a purposeful way to involve yourself in your child’s preschool. Jump in and join the parent team at your preschool! Your children will love seeing you be part of their preschool life.

About Preschool

Preschool is a non-compulsory part-time program.  Children attend for up to 15 hours per week, arranged in alternating weeks of three days and two days or else in programs of 2½ days per week. Preschools in general offer a play-based educational program, developing children’ skills in readiness for school. The evidence is clear that the skills developed in this important year lay healthy foundations for future learners.

How does a 15 hour fortnight work?

An Example of a 15 hour Preschool Fortnight

Preschool Gallery

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