I agree with what the writer says wholeheartedly. But the deafening silence from posters who will contribute ad nauseum to articles concerning racial tension, the tired men vs. women debate, leftist policies and welfare bludgers is comment in itself.

Some parents of pre-school age children are prepared to be passionate about such issues.But policies which the majority of Australians do not regard as having a direct or personal effect unfortunately seem to wither in the apathy which will ensure they will never come under the national spotlight.

Perhaps one of the problems here is that we are still focussed around a "system" in which kindergarten WAS a child's first step into non-parental based learning/interaction. So it is not recognised that children learn (at least not in a systemised manner) before this stage.

I honestly believe that the role that mothers played in developing and driving their children's early learning experiences has always been undervalued and pretty much unrecognised. This doesnt help with the problem that the author has identified.

You are right in saying that childcare is seen purely as a mechanism to get mothers back to work. This is something I wrestle with. I know that despite the good people that I have looking after my toddler while I am at work, they will not do what I would to educate her. I was reading and writing at 3 (albeit with the magnetic fridge letters because of a 3 yo co-ordination). I was not gifted, just the product of a mother who cared enough to teach me. My dyslexic sibling could also read and write at a similar age (proving my point about not being gifted). I am forced to work (yes I do enjoy my work, but if I didnt do it, we would be on the streets), so my daughter wont get the start in life that I did. I find that incredibly sad.

Perhaps it's not a case for educating children, but educating mothers?
There is no qualification required for becoming a mother, or father.
Perhaps our predilection in education for the workforce needs re-evaluation?
At least mothers who care enough to stay with their children deserve a wage to enable families to keep up with an out of control economy.
fluff