Preschool Education in Portugal: Development, Innovation and Changes--Will We Be Able To Cross the Bridge?

This paper discusses public policies in Portugal that call for partnerships in education to provide preschool education for all children. Preschool education is envisioned as a first step on the path towards a strong, humane society. A new role is foreseen for the State, involving fewer direct services and less bureaucratic administration, but providing more efficient supervision, with a regulating and compensatory role. The role of the Law for Preschool Education and the Plan for Expansion and Development of Preschool Education in defining both the goals of preschool education and the role of curriculum guidelines are discussed. The article notes the creation of an Office for the Expansion and Development of Preschool Education. The importance of teachers and in-service training in improving preschool education is also considered. (JPB)