Kindergarten Funding Management

Kindergarten funding management is an important aspect of ensuring access to quality early childhood education for families. The Queensland Government has recently announced a significant investment of $1 billion into the early childhood sector over the next four to five years. This investment aims to make kindergarten more accessible for families by offering free or cheaper options starting in 2023.

The New Kindergarten Funding Reform

The new 2023 Queensland Kindergarten Funding will replace the existing Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme (QKFS) and introduces several changes that will benefit families. One of the key changes is the introduction of an affordability subsidy, which will reduce the cost of kindergarten for eligible families.

Why Kindergarten Funding Reform is Needed

There is a growing body of evidence that highlights the benefits of quality early childhood education and care for children’s development and school readiness. Attending a high-quality kindergarten program, led by passionate Early Childhood Teachers, for 600 hours in the year before Prep provides the best chance for children to thrive, especially for those experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage.

Eligibility for the Affordability Subsidy

To be eligible for the affordability subsidy, families must have their child enrolled in a funded 15-hour kindergarten program and currently receive the Family Tax Benefit. This new program, called Kindy for All, aims to make kindergarten more affordable for eligible families.

To determine your eligibility for the affordability subsidy, you can complete the Kinder Enrolment Form. This form must be completed to receive the subsidy. Failure to do so will result in not receiving the subsidy.

Amount of Savings

Families eligible for the affordability subsidy will receive a subsidy of $500 per year for each child enrolled in a funded 15-hour kindergarten program. If your child is enrolled for only part of the year or for less than 15 hours, the subsidy amount will be prorated.

You can calculate your exact savings based on your family circumstances by visiting the Kindy Savings website, which provides a helpful tool to determine your eligibility and savings.

Receiving the Savings

G8 Education, an education provider in Queensland, will work with the government to implement the new subsidy in 2023. The subsidy will be paid to families from March as kindergarten enrolments are confirmed for the year.

The annual subsidy will be applied to families’ accounts in monthly credit amounts at the beginning of each month from March. This credit will be applied after any Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid and will appear as a financial credit adjustment in the Xplor account. Families can expect to receive approximately $50 credit per month in 2023 if their child is eligible for the full $500 subsidy.

Kindergarten Funding vs. Australian Government Child Care Subsidy

It’s important to note that the kindergarten funding provided through the new affordability subsidy is different from the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy. These funding programs are separate and provide additional support to families.

Centre Offering Funded Kindy Program

All G8 Education centres in Queensland with a funded kindergarten program will offer the new affordability subsidy benefit to families starting in 2023. These funded preschool programs provide active play-based learning led by passionate Early Childhood Teachers. Additionally, they offer the convenience of long day care meals and extended hours to fit in with families’ schedules.

Ineligibility for the Affordability Subsidy

If a centre is unable to recruit an Early Childhood Teacher to deliver the Queensland Government Funded Kindergarten program, families will not be eligible to receive the new affordability subsidy. However, families will receive a pro-rated amount once a teacher is successfully recruited to lead the program.

ACCS and the Affordability Subsidy

Families receiving the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) benefits will not be eligible for the affordability subsidy. ACCS benefits already cover out-of-pocket fees, making families ineligible for the affordability subsidy.

Kindy Plus and the Affordability Subsidy

Families receiving Kindy Plus will have reduced out-of-pocket expenses as the Kindy Plus subsidy is significantly higher. The subsidies will run parallel to each other. The Kindy Plus program is being extended to include three additional eligible groups, such as formal foster or kinship care arrangements, child protection out-of-home care arrangements, and families seeking asylum in Australia.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and its Importance

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a means-tested mechanism used by the Australian Government to help low-to-middle income families with the cost of raising a child. It ensures that government subsidies are provided to families who need them the most.

The affordability subsidy for kindergarten programs in long day care is linked to FTB. Families eligible for FTB will receive a subsidy of $500 per year for each child enrolled in a kindergarten program. Families may also access the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to further reduce their kindy fees.

Ineligibility for FTB on July 1

If a family becomes ineligible for the Family Tax Benefit on July 1, they will still receive the affordability subsidy for the remainder of the year.

Multiple Services and the Affordability Subsidy

The affordability subsidy is only available from one service, and families must nominate the service where they wish to receive the subsidy. However, if a family moves from one long day care service to another, their kindy subsidies will follow them unless their eligibility changes. Different subsidies may apply to each service type, so families should check the Kindy Savings website for more information about eligibility.

Funding for Regional and Remote Locations

Increased funding for regional and remote community and long day care kindergartens will support these services in attracting and retaining qualified early childhood teachers. This funding aims to help improve viability and ensure access to quality kindergarten programs in these areas.

Ensuring Inclusion in Kindergarten Programs

There is new inclusion funding available for kindergartens to better support children with disabilities or those who may be developmentally vulnerable. For long day care, this funding will complement the federally-funded Inclusion Support Program. Additionally, an expanded number of kindergarten programs in long day care will receive Kindy Uplift funding to address educational needs and improve outcomes for children experiencing vulnerability.

The Kindy Uplift Program

The Kindy Uplift program is a pilot program that aims to improve early learning outcomes. 22 Queensland centres across the G8 network have been selected to participate in this program starting from Term 2 (April) 2022. The Kindy Uplift pilot will provide funding for programs, resources, supports, and professional development to enhance educator capability, support inclusion, and improve children’s learning and development.

To find out if your centre is part of the Kindy Uplift program and for more information about the program, you can speak to your centre manager or visit the Kindy Uplift webpage.

Benefits of G8’s Kindergarten Programs

G8 Education offers kindergarten programs that provide children with various opportunities for learning and development. These programs focus on different areas, including language development, numeracy skills, social skills, emotional skills, motor skills, independence, creative expression, and problem-solving abilities. G8 Education’s kindergarten programs are designed to prepare children for their educational journey and provide a strong foundation for future learning.

Enrolling in G8’s Kindergarten Program

To enroll your child in the kindergarten program offered by G8 Education centres, you can visit one of their centres in Queensland, book a tour, and secure your place. If you are already enrolled in one of their centres, you can inform your centre manager that you would like to enroll in the kinder program for 2023.

Remember to complete the Kinder Enrolment Form to ensure you receive the affordability subsidy. This form must be completed, and failure to do so will result in not receiving the subsidy. Families are only eligible to receive subsidies at one centre at a time, and the nominated centre will be where the subsidy is applied.

G8 Education looks forward to continuing your child’s early learning journey with them next year as they take the next leap in their education.

Kindergarten funding management is an essential aspect of ensuring access to quality early childhood education for families. The recent $1 billion investment by the Queensland Government demonstrates a commitment to making kindergarten more accessible and affordable for families. The new affordability subsidy, along with other funding programs, will provide support to families and enhance the kindergarten experience for children across Queensland.