Introduction

This chapter introduces the background of early childhood and primary school systems in China and Australia, including types of early childhood institutions, curriculum, policies related to transition to school and parents’ engagement, etc. Usually, the early childhood education system in China serves children aged from 3 to 6 years old, while in Australia it serves children from birth to 5 years old. Chinese children go to primary school at age 6, while children in Queensland, Australia enter Prep when they are around 6 years old. This chapter also highlights the book's scope and purpose. It provides a short introduction to the chapters that follow.