Catholic sector welcomes kindergarten funding

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) has welcomed the State Government’s commitment to deliver vital funding for Queensland kindergarten services.

Twenty-nine Queensland Catholic kindergarten services will share in the $1 billion investment over the next five years.

The funding will assist more than 40,000 Queensland children by reducing the cost of services for families, with 14,000 of those children set to benefit from free services.

QCEC Executive Director Dr Lee-Anne Perry said the kindergarten reform package was a step in the right direction towards making services more accessible and affordable for Queensland families.

“This funding will provide much needed support in the areas of affordability, educational need, disability and inclusion, and employment in regional and remote locations,” Dr Perry said.

“It will assist to improve attendance, educational outcomes and direct funding to families who require additional support.”

The government announcement includes $33 million to expand the Kindy Uplift Program, $38.5 million to secure early childhood teachers for remote and regional services and $95 million to support families with children with a disability.

The changes will commence in 2023 and will replace the Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme.

The new reform package is in response to the 2019 report Optimising outcomes for children: A review of early childhood education funding and arrangements in Queensland.