CHILDREN in rural and remote Far North Queensland communities will have greater access to kindergarten programs next year with the expansion of a Remote Kindergarten Pilot Program.

Education Minister Kate Jones said the program would be delivered at 36 schools in 2017, including Alexandra Bay State School, Croydon State School, Forsayth State School, Georgetown State School, Lakeland State School, Laura State School and Mount Surprise State School in the Tropical North.

“The Government is committed to providing every child in Queensland with access to a quality kindergarten program,” Jones said.

“The expansion is a direct result of the success of the pilot this year. We know how vital the early years are to giving children a confident start to their education.

This program gives children the opportunity for face-to-face kindergarten experiences to help prepare them for school. Children in the program also benefit from the opportunity to socialise with other children their age.”

Jones said the program was delivered through composite Prep classes. The Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Vice-President Tammie Irons said the extra support in 2017 was a great development for families in remote communities.
“We are very excited about this development,” Irons said.
“It’s definitely something we are very happy about as it means so many more children from remote areas will have access to face-to-face kindergarten education and care.”

For further information on the Remote Kindergarten Pilot call the Queensland Government on 137468 or visit the Early Childhood Education and Care website.