Educare: The Way Forward. A Case Study.

School staff at the O'Connor Cooperative School in Australia had been concerned for some time about the difficulties faced by parents trying to fit traditional short preschool hours into their varying lifestyles. Their solution was to provide child care at the conclusion of the normal preschool session and on the two days per week that preschool was not in session. This case study describes the implementation of the long day care program for preschoolers. After providing background on the school's purpose, methods, and curriculum, the report gives detailed information on the initial stages of the program's implementation, such as acquiring governmental approval and additional classroom space, hiring additional staff, scheduling, enrollment, financing and book keeping, the accreditation process, and the program's curriculum components. The report concludes with a description of the program's success, evidenced by its lengthy waiting list. (EV)