Choices and changes in early childhood education in Australia: A 'Play School' perspective

Early childhood education in Australia is currently undergoing a period of change and renewal. Times of change offer opportunities to revisit the perspectives of the past, to respond to current choices and challenges, and explore future opportunities within the national provision of early childhood care and education. Such opportunities also exist for the longstanding Australian television program for young children - Play School. This paper explores Play School's historical foundations and the responses made to changing perspectives in early childhood education both within Australia and beyond. It provides early childhood educators with the rationale for the choices and changes within the program and offers the opportunity to take a closer look at Play School's responses to contemporary perspectives and current and future challenges in early childhood care and education in Australia.