Free health checks for Queensland kindy kids

60,000 Queensland kids set to benefit from free health checks at Kindergarten under new program to be delivered by the Crisafulli Government in its first Budget.
Free health checks to include vision, hearing and speech development checks, as part of Government’s commitment to deliver health services when you need them.
The Healthy Kindy Kids program will be rolled-out at Government approved kindy programs or childcare centres and identify any early concerns to ensure young children have the right start their educational journey.

The Crisafulli Government’s Budget is delivering free health checks for kindy kids under a new Healthy Kindy Kids program, to identify health and developmental issues in children early, before they fall behind in their education journey.

The free health checks will assess vision, hearing and speech, before children start prep or school, to identify if early support is needed to better prepare them for long-term success, as part of a $37.5 million program over five years.

The program delivers on a key election commitment and will be piloted in a select number of kindies in Townsville commencing in October 2025, before ramping up and reaching all corners of Queensland by the end of 2027.

Free health checks are expected to benefit up to 60,000 children per year when fully established and will be available for kids attending Government approved programs at kindergartens, childcare centres or community locations across the State.

The free health checks will be undertaken by Queensland Health allied health assistants, allied health students or enrolled nurses under the supervision of a senior health professional.

The program is part of the Crisafulli Government’s promise of a fresh start for Queensland, after Early Childhood Educators reported undiagnosed health and development issues were continuing to cause children to fall behind in their early years of education, leading to long-term learning difficulties.

Premier David Crisafulli said Healthy Kindy Kids was about giving young learners the healthiest start to their education.

“We are determined to give every Queensland kid the best possible chance to start school strong,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“For too long, Queensland kids with learning difficulties were allowed to slip through the cracks, but we are ensuring they get the support they deserve.

“Through targeted and practical intervention, we are giving Queensland kids the best possible start and backing parents with the support they need.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the free health checks would help to identify a variety of health and developmental concerns early.

“Those children who are identified as at risk will also receive additional monitoring in the following years, to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments as they commence their school education,” Minister Nicholls said.

“I’m proud that the Crisafulli Government can offer the Healthy Kindy Kids program, and provide the tools needed to help the State’s children succeed.”

Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said local families would benefit from the Crisafulli Government’s announcement.

“This is a great outcome for families, but more importantly it’s a great outcome for our kids. By assessing children early it means we can identify any additional support they need before they start school,” Mrs Poole said.

Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said this program will identify if certain children need support to them from falling behind.

“Healthy Kindy Kids is a fantastic initiative that will give children, parents and teachers the tools they need to set children up for long-term success,” Ms Marr said.

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said it's critical we discover whether kids need additional help at the earliest stage possible.

“We know education opens the door of opportunity for children, and by providing free health checks at kindy, we are helping to push that door open for every kid in not only Townsville, but Queensland as well,” Mr Baillie said.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Jordan Fabris 0418 198 814

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Under the Healthy Kindy Kids Program parents will provide consent and complete a pre-screen questionnaire prior to the health team visit.

A mobile health team will visit kindergartens and communities to provide on-site screening for vision, hearing, and speech development, prioritising those children with identified concerns on the pre-screen questionnaire.

Any child that is flagged on the face-to-face screen will then be referred for follow-up services and support.

Kindy is 15 hours a week for 40 weeks over the course of a year, and is free for Queensland children attending a government-approved kindergarten program.

Kindergarten programs are offered by specific kindergarten services or day care services or childcare centres.