Kindergarten
Kindergarten services offer early childhood education programs to help your child with the move to Prep.
At kindergarten your child will:
- take part in play-based learning
- expand their physical abilities
- build their confidence
- enhance their social skills.
In Queensland, all children, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, have access to quality, inclusive early childhood education.
Long day care services may also offer an approved kindergarten program.
Facts about kindergarten services
- They are generally not-for-profit organisations administered by a volunteer parent management committee or operated by not-for-profit organisations with parent advisory committees.
- May be operated by independent public schools and non-state schools.
- For children who are at least 4 years of age by 30 June in the year they participate (see kindy age requirements).
- Most offer approved kindergarten programs taught by qualified early childhood teachers—take a virtual tour of a kindergarten room.
- Usually operate during school hours each school term—many offer programs for 6 hours a day (e.g. from 8.45am to 2.45pm), 5 days a fortnight during each school term.
- Each kindergarten has its own fee structure—contact the service to discuss their fees.
- Services must comply with a range of legislative requirements including physical environment requirements (space, facilities and equipment) and staffing requirements including minimum educator-to-child ratios.
Quality standards and assessments
Kindergarten services are assessed under national quality standards and their ratings are published online. The quality rating helps you decide which one to choose.
Find out more information on how services are assessed.
A small number of services are regulated under the Education and Care Services Act 2013.
Finding a kindergarten
Find a kindergarten in your local area.
If you are unsure which service to select, see:
Enrolment requirements
Many services take enrolments all year. Some accept children at any time; others may have a waiting list.
You can put your child's name on a waiting list before they are old enough to attend. Depending on the service, you may need to enrol your child at least 6 months before the start of the kindy year.
Contact the service to discuss their enrolment policies.
When you enrol, you will be asked to provide:
- the child’s full name, date of birth, gender and address
- the name, address, and contact details of each known parent of the child
- details of any people:
- authorised to collect the child
- to notify in an emergency involving the child if a parent cannot be immediately contacted
- authorised to consent to medical treatment of, or to authorise administration of medication to the child
- who can authorise an educator to take the child outside the education and care service premises
- details of any court orders, parenting orders or parenting plans in relation to the child or access to the child
- the language used in the child’s home
- details of any special considerations, e.g. cultural, religious or additional needs
- other relevant health information, e.g. details of the child’s registered medical practitioner, any specific healthcare needs, allergies, medical management plans, or dietary restrictions and immunisation status.
Rebates and financial assistance
Kindy will be free for eligible-aged children who attend a government-approved program offering free kindy from 1 January 2024. Kindy is the year before Prep.
Families will benefit from free kindy whether they attend a sessional kindergarten or kindergarten in long day care. Free kindy is for the 15 hour per week, 40 weeks per year kindergarten program delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher.
In 2023, you may be eligible for kindy savings to help cover the cost of fees.
Each kindergarten has its own fee structure. Fees will depend on the length of time your child is there and the service provided.
You can also look for the kindergarten’s Statement of Fees, on display at their premises or on their website.
Getting started
Before your child starts, you should contact your provider and discuss practical matters such as:
- what you will need to bring each day for your child
- will meals be provided or will you need to bring your own
- can they bring their favourite toy or blanket?
You should also let the provider know of any special requirements your child has before they start (although it is recommended you discuss this before enrolling your child).
Find out how to support your child with the move to kindy.