Kindergarten fee relief is now available for eligible families, regardless of where they access their kindergarten program.

Member for Cook Jason O'Brien said the Bligh Government had made early education more affordable with all Health Care Card holders in Cook now able to claim a subsidy from their service provider.

“This is great news for the people of my electorate,” he said. "For families accessing a kindergarten service, the subsidy is worth up to $1179 a year.

“For families accessing kindy through a long day care service, the subsidy is worth $402 a year, as these services are also subsidised by the Australian Government.

Mr O'Brien said families simply needed to show their Health Care Card to their Queensland Government-approved kindergarten program provider to claim their entitlement.

“The funds provided through these subsidies are paid to the kindergarten service and deducted from the out-of-pocket fees payable by parents.

“This subsidy is indexed annually in July to help keep pace with cost of living increases."

Meanwhile, the State Government is offering extra scholarships and incentives to early childhood education staff.

The extra 100 scholarships are being offered to early childhood education staff to upgrade their qualifications, allowing them to teach kindergarten.

Mr O'Brien said the government was also offering incentives to teachers to move to regional areas to teach kindergarten.

Applications close on 11 November 2011 for studies commencing in semester 1, 2012.

For further information on kindergarten programs and kindy teaching initiatives, visit the DET website. 

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