Learn about Queensland's free kindergarten initiative, providing accessible early childhood education through government-approved kindy programs in sessional and long day care centres. Enrol your child today for quality preschool education.
Article Written By:
Jessica Kingi
Marketing Executive
Former Early Childhood Educator and a mum to 2 beautiful and very active boys. Joining Kids Club 2 years ago, starting as one of our Senior Service Administrators, Jessica now supports all of our centres as the Marketing Executive of Kids Club Early Childhood Learning Centres.
Ensuring every child has a strong start to their educational journey is a top priority for the Queensland Government. Starting from January 1, 2024, the government is making kindergarten, formally known as Kindy, free for Queensland families. This initiative offers 15 hours per week, 40 weeks of the year for children attending a government-approved program, making Early Childhood Education more accessible and affordable across the state.
Kindy is an educational program designed for children in the year before they start Prep, playing a crucial role in preparing them for their formal schooling environment. Recognising the lifelong benefits of quality kindergarten and school readiness programs, the Queensland Government believes offering free Kindy ensures every child has equal access and opportunity for their childhood development in Early Childhood Education.
For 4-year-olds to qualify for the free kindy program, they must meet the following criteria:
The Free Kindy subsidy applies for a child’s enrolment in one approved Kindergarten program at a time. Eligible families will have the funding paid directly to the family’s nominated childcare provider to reduce out-of-pocket fees (after CCS has been applied). Funding payments will be applied to statements as weekly credits. Payments are applicable from January 22, 2024 and continue in four 10-week blocks to align with school terms. Coupled with the Child Care Subsidy, this funding will enable more families to access high-quality early childhood education.
Kindergarten programs may vary in delivery across different services. Some may offer the 15 hours of free kindy over two or three days, with additional care available for a fee.
Kids Club is participating in Free Kindy across our Queensland services. Services inclusive of Free Kindy hold QLD Government Kindy Ticks approvals, deliver on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standards (NQS) for childcare, are facilitated by degree-qualified Early Childhood Teachers and Educators supported by Educational Leaders and Area Managers, and provide flexibility with long day care hours.
For additional information on this, please feel free to visit Queensland Government Early Childhood Education and Care Kindy Funding.
If you want to learn more, call Kids Club Early Childhood Learning Centres or book a tour now of your closest Kids Club Early Learning Centre, click here to view your closest Centre.
As the leading provider of early childhood care in Australia we always put your child first. We are committed to 7 National Quality Standards.
Updated 6 September, 2024
