Delayed entry and delayed exit

Delayed entry and delayed exit can be approved when:

• both the parent/carer and approved kindergarten program provider believe that a child would benefit educationally and developmentally from additional time before entering an approved kindergarten program or an additional year in a kindergarten program before entering Prep; and
• there is evidence of the child's developmental abilities, prior experiences and social emotional capabilities that supports the decision to either delay entry to or exit from an approved kindergarten program. It is important to note and advise parents/carers that age alone is not considered an appropriate factor for supporting an application for either delayed entry to or delayed exit from a kindergarten program.

It is important to note and advise parents/carers that age alone is not considered an appropriate factor for supporting an application for either delayed entry to or delayed exit from a kindergarten program.

Yes. Children approved for delayed entry to or delayed exit from an approved kindergarten program using the process documented by the service, and in line with the department guideline relevant to the service provider, will be eligible for the per capita subsidy and additional subsidies as relevant.

Long day care services approved as kindergarten program providers are responsible for:

• determining and documenting service specific processes and procedures (including appeals process) for delayed entry and delayed exit that align with the Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme: Guidelines for Long Day Care Services
• communicating the process to families
• approving or not approving applications for delayed entry or delayed exit
• monitoring, and reporting as required, the approval process and number of approvals granted
• responding to appeals on decisions.

Each central governing body (CGB) is responsible for:

• determining and documenting CGB specific processes and procedures (including appeals process) for delayed entry and delayed exit that align with the Operating Guidelines for organisations approved for funding as a Central Governing Body
• disseminating their documented process and procedures to member services
• determining and communicating to member services the relevant designated officer who considers approval of delayed entry or delayed exit applications. The designated officer may be an officer of the CGB or the CGB may delegate the decision-making process to the officer-in-change at the member service
• approving or not approving applications for delayed entry or delayed exit
• monitoring, and reporting as required, the approval process and number of approvals granted in each member service
• managing communication with member services and enrolled families
• responding to appeals on decisions.