Welcome!

The Canberra Preschool Society represented the Preschool Parent Associations that supported and nurtured preschools for 75 years!
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In the evening of the 17th of November 1943, parents and preschool teachers first met together to establish the Canberra Nursery Kindergarten Society (later to become the Canberra Preschool Society). One goal was in mind - to open a Nursery School in Canberra.


Later the vision shifted to opening a community preschool within walking distance of every 4 year old in Canberra.
The project was carried out during war-time rationing and was only made possible through a joint venture between the Ministry of the Interior and local preschool parent committees.


This unique joint venture model was devised by Gladys Pendred and retained for 60 years until the opening of Amaroo Preschool alongside Amaroo School in 2004.


You can contribute further information to bring this amazing story to life!


Due to a range of circumstances across the past twelve months, this website has been relocated and is slowly being reproduced. Let me know if you spot any errors!

Accessible

The goal was to have a preschool within walking distance from every child in Canberra!

Play-based

Committed to providing the best learning environment, parents were responsible for providing all preschool resources. In the 1940's, that meant  the toys and learning materials were made by hand!

Child-focused

From the start, Canberra's Preschools incorporated some radical designs, to encourage each child to choose both indoor and outdoor play.

Connect - Share your Preschool story!