Early Learning (28)
The evidence for play as integral to children's joy and love of learning is overwhelming. Parents, educators, and communities can support play by building knowledge and practice with children.
NEW 2024-25 for P&Cs/PPAs: plan the year's communications with this pre-filled EL content planner
Preschool and kindy parents are often highly engaged with their child's education or are seeking ways to do so. P&Cs can support parents in the early school years through welcoming gestures and regular invitations to learn more or ask questions.
The central role of parents in a child’s early learning is clear in the latest reports and strategy from government. Marina Spurgin, Council’s Early Learning Officer, has made her way through these lengthy documents to give this overview.
Preschool Parent Associations have a long history of contributing to the establishment and development of early childhood education and care in the ACT.
Developments in education have changed the way preschools and their local primary schools interact. For PPA's this is an opportunity to review their status as separate associations. Many PPAs have re-established as subcommittees or representatives of their primary school P&C association.
PPA Guide to winding up and operating through the P&C
When winding up the PPA, it's important to follow each stage of the process to comply with statutory obligations. The following resources guide PPA's through the process of winding up an incorporated association. Please contact Council with any questions. Ph 02 6241 5759 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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step-by-step Guide to becoming a subcommittee
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draft MOU and Terms of Reference templates
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Voluntary cancellation of an incorporated association in the ACT
Schools and parents collaborate to support preschool and kindergarten children as they adjust to changes in early education. A supportive transition to school helps children to become secure, confident learners, ready to engage with educators and peers.
Canberra Preschool Society AGM
Date: Tuesday 27th March, 2018
Time: 7pm
Location: Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching & Learning
51 Fremantle Drive, Stirling
Come along and meet the Executive Officer and the CPS committee. We'd love to meet our Preschool Parents and answer any questions that you may have about the preschool year ahead!
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Many of our parent committees host a family picnic day.
This can work really well at the beginning of the year so new families can get to know each other. A family picnic day is also a great way to finish up a busy year at preschool.
Your preschool parent association may orgainse a social BBQ. These type of activities show great parent interest in your child's learning environment.
Preschool Parent Associations (PPA)
Recognising the importance of the early years to education, a Preschool Parent Association exists to support the interests of the preschool community that they represent. Through the roles of president, treasurer, secretary, information and/or fundraising officers and general members the preschool parents work collaboratively with the preschool staff, preschool parents and the school principal to highlight the needs of, and add value to, the preschool program.
This can occur in many forms such as networking and supporting the preschool community, planning social or fundraising activities, and providing valuable play resources to the preschool. The aim is to assist where required and add value, through parental involvement and engagement, to the preschool program.
Preschool Parent Representatives or P&C Subcommittees
See our To Do list for committees.
President
The president is the person who takes the hot seat. A president is required to represent the overall view of the committee in a fair and just manner.
In general presidents and secretaries work closely together to formulate the Agenda and set meeting dates.
During meetings the president's role is to keep members on track as determined by the agenda. It’s also important to keep to time and ensure that a meeting isn’t hijacked by individuals. This role will require some liaisons between the school, preschool staff and preschool parents.
See our advice on running good meetings.
Secretary
A secretary will help to set meeting dates and circulate agenda items & reports. The secretary also records the minutes of the meetings and circulates them with the members. A record of attendees should also be noted. It is also important to check that actions items have been carried out.
See our advice on running good meetings and these essential forms.
Treasurer
A Treasurer is responsible for keeping the preschools' accounts in good working order. General tasks will include book keeping, payments, lodgements and petty cash. Ideally a treasurer will bring an up to date report along to meeting so that members are able to make informed decisions.
See our resources for treasurers
Information Officers
Information or communication officers work with the committee to plan, implement and update the association’s communications. Ensuring that existing information is maintained and up-to-date, new information is circulated to parents and staff with sufficient notice to respond, and incoming enquiries, complaints and suggestions are forwarded according to the associations procedures.
Fundraising Officers
Preschool Parent Associations or Subcommittees often have more than one fundraising officer. This allows them to share the load and remain in touch as preschoolers only attend for half the week. Their role is to determine the scope of fundraising activities required through the year in consultation with Preschool staff and their PPA or P&C subcommittee.
The Fundraising Officers then manage the selected fundraising activities. Appropriate records of these activities need to be kept for both the treasurer and future fundraising officers.
See our resources on fundraising.
General Members
General members are encouraged to attend their preschool meetings so that they can contribute to the decision making that occurs within this setting. This is the perfect role for those who are unsure if they would like to take on a formal position but would still like to be involved in the general workings at preschool. General members that cannot attend all meetings can provide feedback to the meeting minutes and submit agenda items based on concerns raised by parents.
Example of a Formal Meeting.pdf
Example of a Casual Agenda.pdf
Preschool Parents Association Standard Constitution Example.pdf
Working With Vulnerable People Application For Registration.pdf
2016 Preschool & Playschool Contact List
End Of Year Tips
End of Year checklist for Presidents and Secretaries 1
End of Year Checklist for Presidents and Secretaries
One of the any ways parents can contribute to their educational program is through fundraising. At times parent associations in consultation with their teachers may choose to fund excursions such as trips to the theatre or local attractions that will compliment the learning occurring in their classroom.
Many parents also fund incursions such as the magic man, drama shows or yoga programs that a run over several weeks that would be over and above the regular school budget.