Cynthia Lui MP
Member for Cook
Chillagoe State School is one of 30 schools across Queensland to be included in the Palaszczuk Government’s highly successful Remote Kindergarten Program as it is expanded over the next two years, Member for Cook Cynthia Lui announced today.
Ms Lui said participation in kindergarten gave children a great start to learning and life.
“Attending kindergarten gives kids the opportunity to develop literacy, numeracy and social skills and helps prepare them for school, all of which are essential to making a successful start to education,” Ms Lui said.
“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting kindergarten participation, regardless of where they live.
“However, it’s not always easy for kids in rural and remote areas to access kindergarten.”
Ms Lui said existing teachers at Chillagoe State School would deliver the program and an additional 20 hours per week of teacher aide time would be provided to ensure adequate supervision.
“I know families with young children living in and around Chillagoe will appreciate being able to access this service,” she said.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the Remote Kindergarten Program complemented the Palaszczuk Government’s ekindy program, which involved a combination of online distance education supplemented by parental education at home.
“The 14 hours per week of parental input required for ekindy can be difficult to achieve in circumstances such as drought, where parents are required to put so many hours into keeping farms operating,” Ms Grace said.
“Having a range of flexible options for families is important. That’s why we are also developing a long-term Rural and Remote Kindergarten Strategy to build on the gains made so far and explore additional and flexible kindergarten delivery options that are responsive to local community needs,” Minister Grace said.
President of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association, Tammie Irons, said she welcomed not only the expansion of the Remote Kindergarten Program, but the ongoing certainty provided to schools involved in the pilot of the program.
“Face to face education is so important for children living in rural and remote parts of Queensland and the expansion of this program will ensure more kids have access to it,” Ms Irons said.
For more information on the Remote Kindergarten Program, visit www.qed.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/families/remote-kindergarten-pilot
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Cook Electorate Office – 4223 1100
