More FREE Kindergarten for Eligible QLD Families

Queensland families can get more time in high-quality kindergarten programs with new funding adding up to 15 hours a week of FREE kindergarten for eligible families, from 1 January 2024.

The new Queensland kindergarten funding means that eligible families can get up to 15 hours of free kindergarten per week, up to 600 hours per year. Coupled with the Child Care Subsidy, the new kindergarten funding from the Queensland Government will enable more families to access high-quality early childhood education.

Queensland introduces ‘Free Kindy’ from 2024

The Queensland Government has announced a new kindergarten funding program to offset the cost of kindergarten for families. The new funding support will replace the “Kindy Savings” program, which runs until 31 December 2023.

What is it?

The new kindergarten funding will further offset the cost of attending a government-approved program. It includes up to 15 hours a week of free kindergarten for eligible families. It means that more children, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances, will have the opportunity to benefit from high-quality early education in an approved kindergarten program.

• Up to 15 hours a week of FREE kindergarten for eligible families.
• The funding will commence on the 1 January 2024 and is on top of any Child Care Subsidy eligible families may be receiving.
• It is based on up to 15 hours a week (up to 600 hours a year) of kindergarten programming through eligible service providers.

Who can get it?

• Children aged at least 4 years of age by 30 June in the year before they attend Prep and attend a government approved kindergarten program for at least two days a week though eligible service providers (like us)

How does it work?

Eligible families will have the funding paid directly to the family’s nominated childcare provider as a credit to reduce out-of-pocket-fees (after CCS has been applied).

Families must complete a declaration and consent form to nominate one service from which they would like to receive the subsidy.

What happens to current kindergarten funding?

• Families enrolled in 2023 receive the current Queensland Kindergarten Funding, which is making the cost of making kindergarten cheaper for many families

A specialist kindergarten program means the best start to life

Kindergarten plays an integral role in a child’s development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. It provides children with an opportunity to develop crucial social, emotional, and cognitive skills in a structured environment. Moreover, it nurtures creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning that can set the stage for academic success in later years.

At Guardian, we have designed the children’s learning environment to respond to their needs in a changing world. Our kindergarten program provides an environment of safety and security that enables children to explore and understand their world. It’s where they develop the foundational literacy and numeracy skills to thrive.

Our kindergarten programs:

• Are based on world-leading research and best-practice teaching.
• Have the Qld Government Kindy Tick approvals.
• Deliver on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS) for childcare.
• Provides a solid foundation to prepare children as they progress to the Australian School Curriculum.
• Are taught by degree-qualified Educators and Early Childhood Teachers and specialist Educational Leaders who guide the program at each Centre.
• Are embedded in daily experiences to suit family needs and routines.
• Come with the flexibility of long day care hours.

Sessional kindergarten vs long day care-based programs

At Guardian Childcare & Education, we take immense pride in our specialised two-year kindergarten program, led by our expertly trained, degree-qualified Early Childhood Teachers. The new kindergarten funding applies to programs delivered in sessional care and long day care settings. Families often ask about the difference between kindergarten in a long day care service and sessional kindergartens. Here are the key reasons why kindergarten in a long day care setting is great for children’s learning:

Flexibility to support families with busy lives: Unlike sessional kindergarten, which has set days and times, our two-year program offers flexibility; YOU can choose the schedule that works best for your family.

Incredible learning experiences throughout the day: Your child gets to experience a full day of engaging activities and both planned and spontaneous learning experiences.

Developing social skills and strong relationships: Our kindergarten program gives children ample opportunity to socialise and build friendships with other children of the same age as well as forming strong bonds with their Educators and Teachers.

A Flying Start to School: The Flying Start to School Program held over summer supports children in the critical weeks before they start school. Children will build confidence and have fun experiences such as lunch box days, school uniform dress-ups, and getting ready for day one of school.

The best start to life for Queensland families at Guardian

Our kindergarten programs, coupled with the Queensland Government funding and Child Care Subsidy, Guardian Childcare & Education is making it possible for more families to access high-quality education and care for young children. We have recently opened brand-new Centres in Camira, Moorooka, and Rochedale South.

Find out more about the changes to Queensland Government kindergarten funding in 2024.