Free Kindy in Queensland: A Future Full of Possibilities

Because Every Child Deserves to Learn, Laugh and Connect with Other Children.

Since the start of 2024, a Free Kindy program has been available across Queensland as an initiative of the state government. Lady Gowrie Queensland welcomed this program with open arms, feeling heartened by the chance to share high-quality early childhood education with even more young ones.

The policy is more than financial relief; it’s an initiative designed to level the educational playing field for children across the state. It recognises the vital role of kindergarten in shaping foundational skills, social acumen, and emotional intelligence in children from a young age.

An Overview of the Free Kindy Program

Kindergarten is available at no cost to families in Queensland. This complimentary program is available to children of eligible age attending an accredited government program.

The benefit extends to all formats of kindergarten education, whether it is sessional or integrated into long day care. The program covers the standard 15-hour per week kindergarten curriculum, totalling 600 hours annually, all delivered under the guidance of a certified early childhood educator.

What Interested Families Need to Know

To partake in Queensland’s Free Kindy program, certain eligibility needs to be met:

• Your child must be of eligible age (see full details below).
• Only one centre can receive the Free Kindy funding for your child.
• If your child is in two kindy groups at the same centre, the second group won’t be eligible for Free Kindy, and you’ll have to pay the regular fee for that group.
• If your child is also enrolled in another kindy program, such as a childcare centre, you’ll need to pick just one centre to get the Free Kindy funding from.

Automatic Fee Reduction: There is no need for a separate application for the fee reduction; if eligible as per the points above, your child will automatically receive Free Kindy at our Lady Gowrie Queensland Kindergarten centres.

Enrolment: If you have yet to enrol your child at Lady Gowrie Queensland, now is the time to do so. Our centres are always popular, and this Free Kindy program has increased demand. You can enrol your child here: www.gowrieqld.com.au/community-kindergarten

When should my child attend kindy?

To be eligible for the Free Kindy program, your child needs to be turning four prior to June 30 the year they attend. This means:

If your child is born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021, they should have attended Kindy throughout 2025.

If your child is born between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, they should attend Kindy in 2026.

If your child is born between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023, they should attend Kindy in 2027.

If your child is born between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, they should attend Kindy in 2028.

If your child is born between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, they should attend Kindy in 2029.

If your child is born between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, they should attend Kindy in 2030.

How the Program Aligns with Lady Gowrie’s Vision

Maintaining Quality Early Education

Lady Gowrie Queensland has been a pioneer in delivering quality early education for over 85 years. The Free Kindy program aligns perfectly with our commitment to ensure that every child receives the enriching, supportive, and nurturing educational experience they deserve.

Emphasis on Holistic Child Development

With the easing of financial pressures, families can better focus on the holistic development of their children. It enables us to continue our mission of fostering an environment where each child’s unique qualities and potential can be fully realised.

About Lady Gowrie’s kindy program

We value our kindergarten children growing up with the understanding, skills and dispositions to be caring people and effective learners, able to contribute to their world and to enjoy rich and successful relationships with others.

As parents know, children are active and competent learners. That’s why your child’s early learning, especially at kindy level, is our priority. In our Community Kindergarten programs, we focus on expanding your child’s knowledge and skills and providing for their interests.

We create a safe, welcoming and stimulating learning environment for your child that:

• encourages thoughtful play and early literacy and numeracy development
• promotes a strong sense of belonging and self worth
• facilitates warm trusting relationships and interactions with others
• strengthens resilience, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity
• promotes communication and problem solving
• develops capacity to express and acknowledge feelings

Enrol for Free Kindy

All Lady Gowrie Kindergartens are eligible for the Free Kindy program. Enrol today at www.gowrieqld.com.au/community-kindergarten

For further information, you may visit the official Queensland Government website, or contact us directly for more personalised guidance.

FAQs

The Free Kindy program has been welcomed wholeheartedly by families and communities across Queensland, including the Lady Gowrie community! It removes financial barriers to early education, giving more children the chance to thrive before starting school. Here are some of the questions we are asked most frequently about the government’s Free Kindy program.

Is kindy offered for free in Queensland?

Yes. Queensland children have been entitled to Free Kindy in approved programs across the state since the 1st of January, 2024. This initiative was introduced to give every child the best possible start in life, regardless of family circumstances.

Who is eligible for Free Kindy in Queensland?

All children who are at the right age for kindy are eligible. Generally, this means your child must be:

• At least 4 years old by 30 June in the year they start kindy.
• Enrolled in an approved kindergarten program.

Eligibility is not restricted by income, visa status, or location. Both community kindergartens and long day care services that run approved kindy programs are included.

How do I apply for Free Kindy in Queensland?

The process is straightforward:

• Find an approved provider – Families can choose between community kindergartens, long day care centres, or schools offering approved kindy programs.
• Enrol directly – Contact the service to confirm availability and complete an enrolment form.
• Provide documentation – You may be asked for your child’s proof of age (such as a birth certificate).

There is no separate government application; enrolment is handled directly through the kindy or childcare provider.

How does the Queensland Government’s Free Kindy program work?

Free Kindy covers up to 15 hours per week for 40 weeks a year (generally aligned with school terms). Families do not pay out-of-pocket fees for these hours

If your child attends a long day care centre, Free Kindy is delivered as part of their day, and fees for care outside the 15 hours may still apply. At community kindergartens, Free Kindy usually takes the form of set daily sessions.

How many days per week is Free Kindy?

Most Free Kindy programs run:

• Five days a fortnight, with full-day sessions (e.g., two days one week and three days the next), or
• 15 hours spread across three part-days each week.

The exact schedule depends on the provider, but all offer the equivalent of 15 hours per week.

Where are Lady Gowrie’s Free Kindy Programs?

Lady Gowrie has over 100 centres across Queensland, and all run an accredited Kindergarten program that can accept the government’s Free Kindy program. You are welcome to contact us to discuss the program and find your nearest Lady Gowrie centre.