This diversity of options is a current strength of our early childhood education system. It will be maintained. These services offer programmes which meet the needs of children, parents, and communities.
Some services provide programmes for limited periods of time each week for specific age groups only.
Others provide language and cultural immersion programmes for children from birth to school age. Many services require the attendance of parents as active participants in their children's programmes. Others offer full-day programmes for children of working parents. Regardless of the style or structure of the programme, all services provide care and learning opportunities for young children, and support for their families. Because the early years are so crucial in providing a foundation for later learning, early childhood curriculum guidelines are being developed which will clearly define the goals of early childhood education.