THIS PAPER REPORTS THE findings of a research project investigating parents' conceptions of an early childhood program in Queensland. During 2007, early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Queensland underwent significant reform associated with the introduction of a full-time Preparatory Year program in all schools throughout the state. The research used a phenomenographic approach to examine the varying ways a group of 26 parents viewed such a program. This study revealed that parents viewed the Preparatory Year in relation to their own needs, their children's needs, and to how the program prepared children for success in school and beyond. Five ways of understanding the Preparatory Year emerged, linked to and differentiated from each other by two central themes. The results imply that continued consultation with parents will be required as the Preparatory Year is introduced throughout Queensland, and that further investigation of parents' views in wider contexts would be beneficial during this time of transition.
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