Kindergarten (Kindy) is a part-time educational program for children in the year before Prep (the first year of school in Queensland). Kindy is a place where children will make friends, explore new environments, build confidence and have fun learning. Kindy offers meaningful experiences and interactions that support childrens’ early learning, wellbeing and development, now and into the future.
Kindergarten teachers and educators use a range and balance of strategies to extend children’s thinking and play in emergent and planned learning experiences across the kindy day. Kindy children have the opportunity for:
Read more about what Kindy is here.
Speld Qld fully endorses the importance and significant benefits of children attending Kindy in the year prior to formal schooling beginning
Speld Queensland is a service provider for the Kindy Inclusion Service. The scope of the program is described by the Department of Education as aiming to enhance the participation, inclusion and learning and development outcomes of kindergarten children with additional needs, within their educational setting. Support services within this program are free of charge to approved kindergarten programs across Queensland.
In Australia, up to 1 in 10 people have a learning disability. The most common ones are a Specific Learning Disorder with an Impairment in Reading (Dyslexia), a Specific Learning Disorder with an Impairment in Writing (Dysgraphia) and a Specific Learning Disorder with an Impairment in Maths (Dyscalculia). Development Language Disorder (DLD) can also impact the learning growth of individuals. 1 in 14 learners have DLD. Many of these disabilities will not be formally diagnosed until students are in primary school, though signs and symptoms can be present in the early childhood years. Early intervention is crucial.
Kindergarten services are in a very strong position to support students who may have a potential learning disability. Prioritising teaching and support practices that are protective and inclusive for all students ensures all Kindy learners, particularly those with language challenges and/or a potential learning disability, can transition to school with the skills they need to reach their potential.
Kindy services can access specialist support from Speld Qld as part of the Kindy Inclusion Service. Our support is focused on enhancing early childhood educators' understanding of learning disabilities and increasing their capacity to support children through universal and targeted evidence-based practice. All professional development and support services are free of charge.
Support services included…
The kindy year of learning is a wonderful opportunity for your child to develop skills in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Approved kindergarten programs develop your child's physical, social, intellectual, language and emotional abilities. Children will have opportunities to learn how to:
The routine will most likely include a combination of indoor and outdoor play, group and individual activities, morning and afternoon tea, lunch break and a rest.
Your child will take part in individual and group activities such as block play, painting, games, puzzles, storytelling, dress-ups, dancing and singing.
Children can take part in outdoor physical activities and interact with the natural environment.
Through these experiences your child will build on their knowledge, explore and express new ideas, learn to cooperate with others and make friends.
The Queensland Government has a comprehensive set of Kindy resources for families and care-givers.
Early Childhood Education – Inclusion for service providers
Teaching practices – emergent literacy
Early childhood literacy teaching toolkit – videos
QCAA – Inclusion and Diversity at Kindy
QCAA – Kindy research articles
QCAA – Transition to school practices
Early childhood education and care – statistics
Early Childhood Australia – free courses
Phonological and phonemic awareness activities
Phonological and phonemic awareness
