Kindy Counts - Affordable Education For Kids

More than 1,300 Mackay children a year are set to benefit from reduced price or free kindy, thanks to a more than $1 billion investment announced by the State Government last week.

Member for Mackay and Assistant Health Minister, Julieanne Gilbert, said the kindergarten program funding overhaul was the most significant reform for the sector in more than a decade.

“We know that the first few years of a child's life here in Mackay are incredibly important and play a major role in their future,” Ms Gilbert said.

“That’s why we are increasing our annual investment in kindy from $130 million to $211 million per year, which means more than a billion dollars will go into our kindy services over the next 5 years, with ongoing funding after that.

“Here in the Mackay Region, that means 1,329 kids will get reduced price kindy, with 332 of those getting it completely free.”

Ms Gilbert said kindy participation had grown rapidly in the state.

“I’m proud that Queensland has seen kindergarten participation grow from 29 per cent in 2008 to 96 per cent today,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Every child deserves the best start at life by attending kindy and experiencing those lifelong benefits of education, play and positive wellbeing.”

Ms Gilbert said the package also includes an expansion of the Kindy Uplift program, and extra funding for children with disabilities.

“We’re thrilled that this increased funding means we can more than double the number of services covered by the successful Kindy Uplift program to 930,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Kindy Uplift funding means services can invest in personalised programs so children can reach their full potential. For example, funding could be used to provide a dedicated support worker or professional development for staff.

“We will also invest more than $19 million per year to enhance support for families with children who have a disability or are developmentally vulnerable, so they can participate in either community or long day care kindies.

“In addition, eligible remote and regional community kindergartens and kindergartens in long day care will receive a funding boost to use on things like accommodation assistance and relocation costs to ensure they can attract and retain a qualified early childhood teacher.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the Queensland Government was proud to be investing in Queenslanders’ early years.

“We’re investing in our youngest Queenslanders, we’re investing in our families, and we’re investing in the Mackay Region’s future,” Ms Grace said.

Over 5 years, the package includes:

● Free kindy access for 14,000 children a year

● Reduced fees for a further 26,000 children a year

● $33 million to expand Kindy Uplift from 400 to 930 services

● $38.5 million to help remote and regional services attract and retain early childhood teachers

● $95 million in support for families with children who have a disability

There are 12 services in the electorate of Mackay that are currently part of the Kindy Uplift program. An additional 16 services will be invited to join the program as part of this announcement.

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

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