This study reports the quick growth and the rapidly changing nature and function of the preschool centers in the City of Greater Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. Chapter I summarizes 2 previous studies related to the social distribution of preschool services. Chapter II briefly reports survey data on topics ranging from preschool sponsorship to equipment and staff training. Chapter III presents an overview of data related to the custodial function of preschool kindergartens. It was found that the centres in Greater Wollongong are mainly attended by children of mothers who do not work and who require child care for less than a full week while increasing numbers of working mothers do not use the services. Chapter IV discusses the educational function of the centres. Attention is given to the special educational program needs of working class children. Survey data on demographic variables such as parents' country of birth and education are reported. It was found that fathers of the preschool children were likely to have professional and managerial occupations. The survey reveals differences between parents' and preschool administrators' views of the aims of preschool education. Chapter V provides a summary and discusses issues related to preschool. Chapter VI presents conclusions and recommendations. (RH)