High Quality, Affordable, Early-Education Programs with a Positive Outcome for your Child.

QLD Kindy Guidelines

What is Kindergarten?

Kindergarten is an early childhood education program that is:

  • play based
  • teacher delivered
  • part-time
  • non-compulsory.

A quality kindergarten program is the foundation of early childhood education and prepares children for school.

Other Australian states or territories may call this program ‘preschool’ or ‘kinder’.

What is an approved kindergarten program?

Approved kindergarten programs, identified by the ‘kindy tick’ logo, are taught by qualified early childhood teachers and run for 15 hours a week for 40 weeks, or 1 school year.

They are assessed and certified by the Queensland Government to ensure children across the state receive a consistent, quality education.

They are delivered by kindergarten or long day care services.

What will my child learn?

Approved kindergarten programs develop your child’s physical, social, intellectual, language and emotional abilities. They will have opportunities to learn how to:

  • use language to communicate ideas, feelings and needs
  • make friends and cooperate with other children
  • become more independent and confident in their abilities
  • develop self-discipline
  • creatively express ideas and feelings through art, dance and dramatic play
  • identify, explore and solve problems
  • develop reading, writing and numeracy skills.

Your child will take part in individual and group activities such as block play, painting, games, puzzles, storytelling, dress-ups, dancing and singing.

Children can take part in outdoor physical activities and interact with the natural environment.

What is the learning program based on?

All approved kindergarten programs are based on the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline

You can Download Guidelines - [pdf doc] or view other Queensland Studies Authority accredited learning programs.

The guideline gives teachers advice on how to deliver a kindergarten program that meets national and state quality standards and regulations [view more info].

How will I keep up to date on my child’s progress?

At the end of the kindergarten year you will get a summary of your child’s learning and development. You can use this as a discussion starter when you meet your child’s Prep teacher or school administrator.

During the kindergarten year, the teachers may share information in many ways about how your child is progressing. They may:

  • chat informally with you at drop-off and pick-up times
  • have communication books with photos and information about your child’s interests
  • use photos to show the learning activities in which your child is participating
  • invite you to formal discussions about your child during the year.

How can I support learning and development?

Teachers encourage you to have an active role in your child’s education, from volunteering on decision-making committees and fundraising to attending information sessions or formal parent meetings.

Ask staff at your service how you can become involved. You can offer your special skills and expertise, your time and energy or your interest in your child and what they are learning and experiencing.

You are your child’s first teacher. The most important thing you can do for your child is to talk with them. Language and the ability to communicate with others, which may include using sign language and devices to aid speech or writing, is essential for learning.

You are encouraged to read to your child every day, play simple games and explore outdoors, looking at nature and supporting them to talk about what they see.

Everyday experiences around the home are also valuable opportunities for learning. Tasks such as setting the table, helping with the grocery shopping, gardening and tidying up help children with their development.