The Queensland Government is committed to giving every child a great start. National and international research has shown that successful transition to a quality kindergarten program leads to greater social, emotional and cognitive outcomes for children.
2021 and 2022
In 2021, the A Great Start to Kindergarten program was piloted at 41 community kindergartens across the state.
The purpose of this pilot program was to support the successful transition of children aged 3 years (by June 30) who were not currently attending an early childhood education and care program in to an approved kindergarten program the following year.
The strategic and operational evaluation of the 2021 program highlighted a range of positive outcomes for children and their families. For example, parents and carers whose children participated in the 2021 pilot program reported a greater understanding of their child's learning and development and a sense of security and confidence in what to expect in the kindergarten year.
The A Great Start to Kindergarten pilot program will continue in Terms 3 and 4 2022 with some minor modifications to the selection process and the criteria for involvement.
What the research shows
National and international research has shown that successful transition to a quality kindergarten program leads to greater social, emotional and cognitive outcomes for children.
Program features
Selected kindergartens, in targeted locations, will deliver a transition program that meets the needs of the local community for between 6 and 15 hours.
The program delivered can be:
- an early childhood teacher-led integrated program with kindergarten aged-children
-
a separate education program for 3-year-olds
- a playgroup program developed and overseen by an early childhood teacher.
As a result of the 2021 review, services have been identified to participate rather than applying to be involved. Services which are involved in the 2022 program are in:
- low socioeconomic communities
- remote communities
- communities with high proportions of developmental vulnerability.
Program locations
To find out more about the services delivering a transition program, please contact the following Central Governing Bodies:
Independent Schools Queensland
Email:
ec@isq.qld.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3228 1515
Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC)
Email:
cgb@qcec.catholic.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3316 5845
Queensland Lutheran Early Childhood Services (QLECS)
Email:
admin@qlecs.org.au
Phone: (07) 3511 4079
The Crèche and Kindergarten Association Limited (C&K)
Email:
cgb@candk.asn.au
Phone: (07) 3552 5333
Lady Gowrie
Email:
cgbadmin@ladygowrie.com.au
Phone: (07) 3252 2667