New early years service for Redlands

Education Minister Kate Jones today called for expressions of interest for providers to establish a new early years service in the Redland area.

Ms Jones said the service would provide quality early childhood education and support services for local families.

“We’ve identified that a significant number of families with young children in the Redland area would benefit from extra support,” she said.

“Research has shown that the early years, particularly birth to four years old, are an especially critical time in young children’s growth and development.

“This new service will feature an integrated model to ensure children and families can access the right service at the right time.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to working in partnership with non-government organisations to meet the needs of the local community.

“I encourage organisations to express their interest in either constructing and operating a service on land they own, or leasing and operating a service from Capalaba State College.”

Ms Jones said the successful service provider would be required to engage with the community to help decide the types of services provided to ensure they are tailored to meet local needs.

“One-off funding of $300,000 towards establishment costs and up to $2.2 million of capital funding towards construction will be available to help establish the new service,” she said.

“I invite interested organisations, including partnerships and consortia, to submit applications with flexible options for service delivery.

“These may include kindergarten, long day care, outside school hours care, parenting and family support, maternal and child health support or other suitable services.”

Following the expression of interest process which ends on 24 June, a short-list of applicants will be included in a negotiated grant process, which will then determine the successful provider.

Organisations seeking to submit an expression of interest can obtain further information including details of an information session to be held at Capalaba State College and an application form at: www.dete.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/service/grants.

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7548