- Determine your child’s Kindy start year by using the Queensland Government’s Kindy age calculator.
- Book a tour – contact Kids ELC to arrange a time to meet our educators and explore our Kindy facilities.
- Join a waitlist – secure your days in advance. You can do this before your child is old enough to attend Kindy.
- Enrol early – ideally 12–24 months ahead, as places fill quickly.
In Queensland, children are eligible for Kindy in the year before they start Prep, usually when they turn 4 by 30 June. Deciding when to enrol your child can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
We know each season of parenting comes with a new set of challenges, and finding the right Kindy for you and your child is no different. We’re here to help you navigate how and when to begin the enrolment process, equipping you with everything you need to know to start your child’s Kindy journey.
What age is Kindergarten in QLD?
Children in Queensland can attend Kindy if they are at least 4 years of age by 30 June in the year before they attend Prep. So, if your child’s 4th birthday falls on or before June 30 2026, they can start Kindy that year. If they turn 4 between July and December 2026, they’ll start Kindy in 2027.
If you’ve got a little person approaching Kindy age in the next few years, we’ve outlined some of the key Kindy dates in Queensland below to pop in your diary:
| Child born between | Kindy Year | Prep Year | When to Enrol for Kindy |
| 1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022 | 2026 | 2027 | Now |
| 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023 | 2027 | 2028 | Now / Next Year |
| 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 | 2028 | 2029 | Next Year |
Still unsure about when your child should start Kindy? Head to the Queensland Government’s Kindy age calculator or contact one of our friendly Kids ELC centres to discuss enrolment for your child.
When should I enrol for Kindy?
Ideally, you want to begin the enrolment process 12-24 months before your child is due to start Kindy. Demand can be high, especially in popular suburbs and centres. Joining a centre’s waitlist early can help lock in your child’s place and give you a better chance of securing your preferred days.
Most centres will confirm the following year’s enrolments from mid-year, while others will send out offers as soon as a spot is available. If you’re worried you’ve left it too late to make enquiries, don’t panic, you can still ask for your child to be placed on the waitlist.
Contact Kids ELC today to find out how you can join the waitlist.
How to enrol at Kids ELC
Ready to enrol your child at one of our Kids ELC centres? Follow these easy steps to get started:
- Check your child’s age eligibility here.
- Complete our enrolment enquiry form or contact our team to join the waitlist.
- Book a tour with your local KIDS ELC centre to explore their facilities.
- Discuss and agree on days and session times for your child with our friendly educators.
- Wait to receive your enrolment offer (usually between July and November the year BEFORE your child starts Kindy).
- Complete the Kindy enrolment forms and provide the necessary documentation (proof of birth, immunisation record, emergency contacts, etc.).
- Prepare your child for their first day of Kindy by talking positively about meeting new teachers, making new friends, and experiencing new activities.
Common scenarios and what to do
We know every family is different, and we want to make preparing for your child’s Kindy year as easy as possible. Let’s take a look at some common scenarios that may apply to your family.
Your child is born after 30 June
If your child turns 4 after 30 June in a given year, they won’t be eligible for a place in a Queensland Kindergarten program until the following year. Check out the handy kindergarten age QLD calculator to find out when your child can start Kindy.
Moving to QLD
No problem! Your child’s eligibility doesn’t change. To access the Free Kindy program, your child must:
- Be 4 years old by 30 June in the year they attend Kindy.
- Enrol in an Approved Kindergarten Program in Queensland.
- Attend for 15 hours per week for 40 weeks.
Late enquiries
Don’t worry, most centres will put your child on the waitlist year-round. That way, you’ll be notified as soon as a place is available.
Starting mid-year
The Free Kindy program begins in line with the standard school year. Children who join after the program has already started will participate for the remainder of the year. Unfortunately, any days missed before enrolment can’t be made up.
Wanting to delay or repeat Kindy
The decision to delay entry or do a second year of Kindy is up to you as the parent, but this requires discussion with the Kindergarten and potentially a formal process with supporting evidence.
FAQs
Is Kindy compulsory in Queensland?
No, Kindy is not compulsory in Queensland. However, it’s a highly recommended and Queensland Government-funded program for children in the year before they start Prep. It’s designed to support children with their social, emotional, and developmental skills through play-based learning. Learn more about our Free Kindy program here.
What documents do I need to enrol?
When you enrol your child, you might be asked to provide the following documents:
- The child’s name and address.
- Details about the child’s parents, carers or guardians.
- Proof of date of birth (e.g. birth certificate or visa).
- Health and immunisation status.
- Details of any special requirements, such as disability or food allergies.
- Emergency contacts and details of those approved to pick up your child.
What’s the difference between childcare and Kindy?
Kindy is about early learning and school readiness. It’s free, part-time and age-specific. Childcare is flexible all-day care for children of varying ages and incurs daily fees that may qualify for government subsidies. At Kids ELC, we combine both in one place!
How do fees and subsidies work for Kindy in long daycare?
The Free Kindy program will cover the first 15 hours of care each week for 40 weeks of the year. Any additional hours are charged at the usual rate. Eligible families using extended care can access the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to cover these additional wrap-around hours.
Get school-ready with Kids ELC
Enrolling your child in Kindy at Kids ELC is easy. Simply book a tour of your local centre, chat about your preferred days, and complete an enrolment form.
