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Today, there are many different sorts of activities readily available for youngsters of pre-school age. Every youngster is various. A selection of types of treatment and extensive opportunities to decide on easily are a fundamental point of departure in guaranteeing that all children and families have access to childcare that meets them and their specific necessities. The Government is as a result functioning to strengthen this flexibility of option. Photo: Micke Lundgren The Swedish pre-school system is recognised internationally for its high quality and accessibility. Alongside the upbringing provided by parents, pre-school helps children to develop and can thereby lay the foundations for future success in school. Swedish pre-school is fantastic in many ways, and is one of the most important components of our welfare system. Most children in Sweden attend pre-school - almost 93 per cent of all children aged 3-5, a total of almost 450 000 children. The combination of care, play and learning provides children with a setting in which to develop in a way that is unique in the world. The expanded pre-school is also a cornerstone of the work-first principle and gender equality in Sweden. Both municipal and independent pre-schools are important if we are to offer all children a pre-school place at the right time, and if parents are to be able to choose the type of pre-school that suits them and their children. Independent pre-schools have also made it possible for those working in the pre-school system to have a choice of employer, or to start their own business. Even though most children attend pre-school, it is important to develop the freedom of choice for those children and families who want it. New Education Act The new Education Act will offer new prospects for pre-schools. Freedom of choice is to be combined with quality, knowledge and security. The same requirements will apply to independent and municipal pre-schools. The curriculum and the requirement of systematic quality assurance apply to all pre-schools. Furthermore, we are giving the municipalities the possibility of issuing fines to pre-schools that do not address their shortcomings. Pre-school teachers play a key role in assuring the quality of pre-schools, and will now be given a clear responsibility for educational content. My buddy Smith wrote another wonderful article on Sudbury Preschool this topic on his article. Updated curriculum for pre-schools On 1 July 2011, a revised curriculum for pre-schools comes into force. It clarifies the goals for children's development in terms of language and communication, mathematics, science and technology. This raises the level of ambition for learning and makes it clearer what each child is entitled to expect from pre-school activities. The goals are set so as to allow for learning through play, and with consideration for every child. New pre-school teacher education and registration of pre-school teachers All pre-school children should have teachers who are qualified and suited to the profession. A new pre-school teacher education programme will start in the autumn. The degree in pre-school education comprises 210 higher education credits and the programme will have a clear focus on work in pre-schools. In the programme, the prospective pre-school teacher will acquire the knowledge and skills required to meet the learning and care needs of the youngest children. We are also introducing a new system of pre-school teacher registration to raise the status of the profession. The mix of pre-school teachers, childcare workers and other educational staff in pre-schools is of great importance for children's development. Childcare voucher system The vast majority of children attend pre-school, but it is also important to develop freedom of choice for those children and families who want other types of activities. For this reason, in 2009 the Alliance Government introduced a childcare voucher system, which means freedom of establishment for independent enterprises offering educational care throughout the country. The reform means that, for example, private family day-care homes or multi-family childcare arrangements that fulfil the basic quality requirements have the right to receive public funding for the children in their care. Boost for Pre-school Over the period 2009-2011, the Government is investing a total of SEK 600 million in the Boost for Pre-school to offer pre-school teachers, childcare workers, etc. the opportunity for professional development. Over the three-year period, around 13 500 people working in pre-schools will take advantage of this initiative. Research institutes for pre-school teachers The link between research and pre-school activities is currently far too weak. For this reason the Government recently decided to continue investing in research schools for pre-school teachers. We are making it possible for pre-school teachers to retain their salary and undertake research and become lecturers. The aim is to strengthen research in the field of pre-school education and thus increase quality in pre-schools.
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