$40 million kindy cash splash to boost early childhood education

The Palaszczuk government is ensuring all children get a great start in life, no matter their circumstances, through its $40 million Kindy uplift program.

Ms Grace said the targeted three-year pilot program will provide extra support for vulnerable and disadvantaged children at more than 400 kindergartens across the state.

“We know the benefits that flow from kindergarten and early education,” Ms Grace said.

“However, we also know not all kids arrive at the kindy gate with the same capability levels.

“We want to ensure that all kids have the support they need to reach their full potential

“Kindy Uplift aims to help around 13,500 Queensland children each year get the most out of their time at kindy, with a range of programs focusing on five targeted improvement areas - oral language and communication; processing information and responding; physicality; social and emotional capability; and access and inclusion.

“For example, funding could be used to introduce a wellbeing support program for kids who are doing it tough and will trial a model of additional resources and early support for kids who need it most.

The announcement has been welcomed by the sector, with Kindergarten Director of Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health, Caroline Baum, excited to be taking part in the pilot.

“We are delighted to join Minister Grace today and be part of this amazing program to help nurture, engage and improve children’s outcomes,” Ms Baum said.

“To offer a quality education and care program with dedicated and upskilled educators who are passionate about the child’s education journey and smooth transition progress, is a wonderful opportunity.

“We know the benefits for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in particular will be lifelong.”

Minister Grace said the pilot program’s announcement was a timely celebration, coinciding with Early Childhood Educators’ Day.

“We have more than 34,000 early childhood educators and staff across some 3000 early childhood services in Queensland, and every one of them makes an important contribution to building strong, lifelong learning foundations for our youngsters,” she said.

“We have done excellent work in Queensland to achieve universal access to kindergarten and will continue to do all we can to help children get the most out of early childhood education.

“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring all Queensland children can fully participate in a quality kindergarten program because we know this leads to improved life and education outcomes in the future.”

For more information visit: www.qld.gov.au/kindyuplift

[ENDS] 1 September 2021