What Families Need to Know

Choosing the right kindergarten program for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. The good news is that Queensland’s Free Kindy initiative is helping more children access quality early learning while reducing costs for families.

If you’ve heard about Free Kindy but aren’t quite sure what it means, you’re not alone. Many families have questions about eligibility, how it works, and whether it applies to long day care centres.

Let’s break it down.

What is Free Kindy?

Free Kindy is a Queensland Government initiative that provides eligible children with access to a government-funded kindergarten program in the year before they start Prep.

Children can access up to 15 hours of Free Kindy each week, for 40 weeks of the year, in a Queensland Government-approved kindergarten program delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher. This equates to around 600 hours of funded kindergarten learning each year.

The program was introduced to ensure more Queensland children can benefit from quality early education and start school with confidence.

Why is Kindy So Important?

Kindergarten is much more than preparation for school.

Through play-based learning experiences, children develop:

• Confidence and independence
• Social and emotional skills
• Communication and language development
• Early literacy and numeracy foundations
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Resilience and a sense of belonging

Quality kindergarten programs help children learn how to interact with others, explore new ideas, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

How Does Free Kindy Work?

Free Kindy funding is applied through approved kindergarten providers across Queensland, including many long day care centres.

Depending on the service, the funded 15 hours may be delivered over two full days, three shorter days, or another approved schedule. Every service may structure its kindergarten program slightly differently.

For families attending a long day care service, Free Kindy can work alongside the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS), helping to further reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Who is Eligible?

Your child may be eligible for Free Kindy if they:

• Turn 4 years old on or before 30 June in the year they attend kindergarten
• Are enrolled in a Queensland Government-approved kindergarten program

There are no income tests for Free Kindy eligibility.

Free Kindy in a Long Day Care Centre

Many families choose to access their kindergarten program through a long day care service.

This provides all the benefits of a government-approved kindergarten program, while also offering:

• Extended opening hours
• Flexible attendance options
• Nutritious meals
• Additional learning experiences
• Convenience for working families

It’s important to understand that while the kindergarten component is funded, additional care hours outside the kindergarten program may still incur fees. These fees may be reduced through Child Care Subsidy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Free Kindy completely free?

The approved kindergarten program is funded by the Queensland Government. However, if your child attends additional hours outside the funded kindergarten program, fees may still apply depending on your enrolment schedule and Child Care Subsidy entitlements.

Does Free Kindy replace Child Care Subsidy?

No. Free Kindy and Child Care Subsidy are separate programs.

Many families can receive both, helping to further reduce childcare costs.

Does my child need to attend a stand-alone kindergarten?

No. Eligible children can access Free Kindy through approved community kindergartens or approved long day care centres offering a kindergarten program.

How many hours are included?

Free Kindy provides up to 15 hours per week for 40 weeks each year.

Who teaches the kindergarten program?

Kindergarten programs are delivered by qualified early childhood teachers who are trained to support children’s learning, development, and school readiness.

What will my child learn at Kindy?

Children participate in play-based learning experiences that support literacy, numeracy, communication, creativity, social skills, wellbeing, and independence. The focus is on developing the whole child, not formal schooling.

Is Free Kindy available all year?

Free Kindy funding covers up to 40 weeks of the approved kindergarten program each year. Program structures may vary between providers, so it’s always best to speak with your centre about how their kindergarten calendar operates.

Giving Children the Best Start

The kindergarten year is an exciting time of growth, discovery, and preparation for school. Free Kindy makes it easier for families to access quality early learning experiences that help children build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive.

If your child is approaching their kindergarten year, now is a wonderful time to explore your options and learn more about the benefits of a government-approved kindergarten program.