Why save for Education?

Cost of Children | Child Education | Education Costs

Child Education

A child’s education isn’t just about going off to primary school. Today, children are starting their education in Early Learning Centres then they’re off to preschool. This takes them right through from junior primary to senior secondary schooling, not to mention a tertiary education at a University or TAFE.

It doesn’t end there -- what with extra curricular activities such as swimming lessons for toddlers, ballet lessons, cricket academy or the debating team - the combination results in fostering a genuine commitment to life long learning, an ‘education journey’ so to speak.

This strong emphasis on education that spans a lifetime may seem onerous for some but to survive in this ever-changing world it is a must. It is paramount that we update our skills and knowledge through professional development, such as learning how to use a new computer system or implementing and managing the latest research into the workplace.

Not to mention the personal satisfaction we get from still being able to discover new things? We can never get back that feeling of excitement we had when we first rode a bike without training wheels. Our enthusiasm to learn new things has come from the encouragement we had in our youth, from the education we received at school. All acquired from learning how to learn.

Helping to develop skills in our children will offer them a fantastic opportunity in their adult life to secure a fulfilling career. A good education should provide greater peace of mind for parents, knowing that their child has had the appropriate education to equip them to make the best choices in their life.

A good education, not just any education, is the key!

Lets take a journey through the possible education a child might undertake. Please understand that there might be differing terminologies in each state and school in regards to the particular stages and levels of education.

Young children
A child may spend some time in childcare due to the need of parents having to work. While some people would disregard this as a formal part of education it is no doubt a critical time in a child’s development. Regardless of your income, we all want what is best for our children and starting with a childcare centre that provides quality facilities and great staff for learning through play, not just care, is ideal.

Once a child has reached his or her 3rd birthday it may be time for them to attend a Kindergarten/Early Learning Centre. A child may attend from 1-5 days a week, and will most likely become self-motivated through independent learning. The child will become sensitive to the needs and views of others as well as start to learn the attitudes, skills and knowledge in preparation for his or her future in a curriculum-based environment.

Preschool years
Reception also known as Kindergarten, Preschool or Junior Primary, is the next stage in a child’s education journey. This can often be a tough time for both parent and child as it may be the first time the child has been put into the care of others. This is the official beginning of a child’s next 12 years of schooling and by that time the decision of private or public schooling would have been made (any later and there might not be a place in the school!).

Both types of schooling, public or private, will provide opportunities for a child to develop their cognitive, social, emotional, physical and creative skills within a positive and supportive community. Literacy and numeracy skills are also usually of high priority in the early years of schooling.

Primary School
Primary school years will vary between states and schools but typically go anywhere between Reception/Kindy right through to Year 8. This is where a foundation for further education in terms of knowledge and skills, respect for learning, adaptability, and positive attitudes for life-long education will be developed and where a child can be given the freedom to express ideas and pursue individual interests (resulting in the additional costs of extra curricular activities)

Secondary School
Starting secondary education is another stage in a child’s life where the parent and the child will together make a decision as to which school is best. This can be such a daunting task and a stressful time for students as they are encouraged at such an early age to make choices about what subjects to study in order to have the best chance of placement in university or TAFE.

Looking at the 2001 retention rates (for students staying at school to year 12) released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that non-government (private) schools have a retention rate of 84.4% where as government schools’ retention rate is 67.8%. The fact that a child attending a private school is far more likely to continue through to year 12 is quite interesting.

Education equals opportunities
Much of the research we are seeing today on tertiary education basically states that to have a chance of succeeding in the ‘world of work’ -- let alone a career -- comes down to the level of qualifications we have.

University degrees are becoming more and more specialized -- and commonplace as a requirement for work. As such, the choice of secondary schooling is critical in order to ensure that post-secondary schooling can launch a child into this critical next step.

It’s about being prepared
In summary, this entire article points to the need for careful consideration, and planning, on behalf of the parent. Even more critical, is the necessity to factor in the associated costs. Certainly the best way this can occur without it being a surprise or drain on a family’s budget is to set something aside for the sole purpose of education.

The quote "you can’t predict their future, but you can anticipate the expense" - couldn’t be more apt.

Carly Schwerdt
B.Vis Comm (Hon), B.Ed (Specialisation)

Other links within this site that might be helpful:

• Cost of children
• Education costs
• Education and careers
• What jobs pay
• Education savings

The material in this section is intended to provide general information on particular subjects and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. For more detailed information, you should talk to an independent expert in the relevant area concerned.