eKindy for Queensland kids

Queensland children are the first in Australia to enjoy the benefits of a Government-approved kindergarten program taught online through distance education.

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek today visited the Brisbane School of Distance Education to witness an eKindy class in action.

“The launch of our eKindy program has moved us yet another step closer to achieving our target of a kindergarten place for every Queensland child by 2014,” Mr Langbroek said.

“eKindy is an important part of our strategy to reach children in remote parts of the state, and those who can’t access a centre-based program due to medical reasons,” Mr Langbroek said.

“Research confirms that a quality early learning program prepares children for success at school, and I am proud to say that eKindy is an Australian-first and Queensland is leading the way with this initiative.”

Mr Langbroek said the program had been developed by the Brisbane School of Distance Education and was successfully piloted last year.

“eKindy is based on the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines and provides children with the best start to learning through teacher-delivered web lessons and online and in-home activities,” he said.

“More than 150 children are enrolled in eKindy this year after the pilot program received positive feedback from families last year.

“The Brisbane School of Distance Education have done an excellent job of adapting the kindergarten program for an online environment and providing support to our pioneering eKindy families.”

Mr Langbroek said the Newman Government passed legislation late last year to allow Queensland Schools of Distance Education to deliver the eKindy.

“eKindy is free of charge for eligible families and is funded through the National Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood Education with the Australian Government,” he said.

More information about the program, including enrolment processes, is available at www.brisbanesde.eq.edu.au.

[ENDS] 20 February 2013

Media Contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652