Kindergarten boost for rural and remote communities

Rural and remote families will benefit from greater access to kindergarten programs from next year, Education Minister Kate Jones announced today.

Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government was expanding its Remote Kindergarten Pilot from the start of the 2017 school year.

“We are committed to providing universal access to kindergarten for Queensland families no matter where they live” she said.

“The Remote Kindergarten Pilot offered kindergarten places to families in 11 rural and remote communities following its rollout earlier this year.

“Following the success of the program, we have committed to expanding the pilot to an additional 26 state schools.

“The program operates in state schools to make face-to-face kindergarten opportunities available to more Queensland children.

“Children in the program are placed in composite classes with Prep and other students delivered by their existing classroom teacher, with additional teacher aide support.”

Ms Jones said the expansion of the pilot would provide support to more than 100 Queensland families.

“We know how vital early childhood education is to prepare students for a confident start to school,” she said.

“This program is ensuring that Queensland children get the best-possible start to their education.

“Both the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association and the Queensland Association for State School Principals are very supportive of the pilot and its expansion in 2017.”

Ms Jones said the Remote Kindergarten Pilot would provide rural and remote children with great opportunities for learning.

“The delivery of kindergarten programs in a state school setting enables children to enjoy early learning opportunities, make new friends and build their connection with the school,” she said.

“The State Government also wants to ensure more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from disadvantaged backgrounds are involved in face-to-face kindergarten programs.”

More information on the Remote Kindergarten Pilot is available by calling the Kindy Hotline on 1800 4 KINDY (1800 454 639)

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