Choosing a kindergarten program provider

You can search for approved kindergarten program providers in your area using the the Early Childhood Education and Care Services Search tool. Simply type in your postcode, select 'any' in the service type section and select approved kindergarten program as an extra service. The results will list the kindergarten and long day care services offering an approved kindergarten program in your area. If you would like to, expand your search, enter neighbouring postcodes.

The Queensland Government has introduced a unique identifier to help parents identify kindergarten program providers that have been approved.

All service providers displaying the identifier offer a kindergarten program delivered by a qualified teacher to children in the year before they start Prep for at least 15 hours per week for 40 weeks a year.

More information can be found on the Choosing an approved kindergarten program provider page.

The full list of long day care services now approved to deliver kindergarten programs is available. If you are interested in enrolling your child in a kindergarten program in a long day care service you should contact the service directly and confirm their fee structure and availability.

While all approved kindergarten programs must meet strict criteria relating to the education program, teacher qualifications, program duration and age-eligibility requirements, they can be delivered in a range of settings.

Long day care services offering an approved kindergarten program are a great option for families who also require extended hours of care. This can help families meet work, study and training commitments. While long day care services have some flexibility in how they deliver their approved kindergarten program they all provide extended care. Families may also be eligible for additional Australian Government rebates including Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate. Parents whose children participate in a kindergarten program at a long day care service should not expect to pay more for their child's participation than they would if the child was attending the service as usual (without the kindergarten program). Fees are set by the individual service.

Kindergarten services typically operate during school terms. While opening hours may vary, many kindergarten services offer programs for six hours a day (e.g 8.45am to 2.45pm), five days a fortnight. Kindergarten services generally offer two groups with the same children participating in each group on set days. Predominantly non-profit organisations, kindergarten services are administered by a volunteer management committee formed from parents whose children attend the service.

Kindergarten services do not qualify for the Australian Government's Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate. Each service is responsible for setting its fee structure.

The locations for extra kindergarten services being co-located on school sites is available on the Department of Education website .

Parents who wish to enrol their child/children at one of the extra services being established on a state school site, should contact C&K either by email info@candk.asn.au or by calling 1800 177 092.

For services being established on non-state schools, please contact the school directly regarding the enrolment process.

Queensland Government approved kindergarten programs can be delivered in a range of settings, including kindergarten and long day care services.

The full list of long day care services now approved  to deliver kindergarten programs is available.

The Queensland Government has introduced a unique identifier to help parents identify kindergarten program providers that have been approved.

All service providers displaying the identifier offer a kindergarten program delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher to children in the year before they start Prep for at least 15 hours per week for 40 weeks a year.

You can also check if your service is approved to deliver a kindergarten program by searching for your service on the Early Childhood Education and Care Services Search tool. The results of the search will identify whether the service is an approved kindergarten program provider.