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If you're preparing for your child's kindergarten year in Queensland, you've probably heard about Free Kindy – but what exactly does it cover, and does your family qualify? Whether you're considering a C&K sessional kindergarten or a C&K childcare centre with a kindy program, understanding how Free Kindy works can help you make informed decisions and budget effectively for the year ahead. Keep reading for a breakdown of everything you need to know.
What is Free Kindy?
Free Kindy provides eligible children with 15 hours per week in a Queensland Government-approved kindergarten program for up to 40 weeks per year – completely free. That’s 600 hours to explore new environments, make friends, build confidence, play, and have fun learning in preparation for Prep.
Who is eligible?
Kindy is free for children turning 4 by 30 June, in the year they attend kindy. See the table below to determine which year your child should attend kindy.
Eligible-age children who are Australian residents, children of families on Refugee and Humanitarian visas or temporary resident visas that are exempt from state school fees are all eligible to claim Free Kindy funding.
Does Free Kindy apply in childcare?
Yes! If your eligible child is enrolled in a C&K childcare centre where they participate in a government-approved kindergarten program, you will receive 15 hours per week of free kindy for 40 weeks per year (up to a maximum 600 hours per year).
When is kindy NOT free? There are several situations in which fees for kindy may apply.
Children attending kindy who are younger than the eligible age in the year they attend, and children on visas that are not fee-exempt, will be charged the non-eligible fee. These fees are different for each kindy and are available to view on the kindy's webpage. The non-eligible fee is updated every year in December for the following year.
What if my child attends more than one kindy or childcare centre?
Free Kindy can only be claimed at one centre. If your child is enrolled in two childcare centres or two sessional kindergartens, you will need to nominate which centre you wish to claim Free Kindy at.
If your child is enrolled in an approved kindergarten program in both a sessional kindergarten and a childcare centre, the sessional kindergarten will receive the Free Kindy funding for your child.
Fees will apply at sessional kindergartens or childcare centres when another centre is receiving Free Kindy funding for the child.
What if my child is attending kindy for a second year?
If your child will benefit from delayed entry to Prep and is attending kindy for a second year, they will still be eligible to claim Free Kindy as long as they are an Australian resident, child of a family on Refugee and Humanitarian visas, or a temporary resident visa that is exempt from state school fees.
Are there any other fees?
At C&K branch kindergartens, a one-off, non-refundable enrolment fee of $100 is required when you complete your enrolment to confirm your place. This is not covered by Free Kindy funding and is issued to cover administration costs. However, it can be waived if you are an eligible concession card holder. C&K affiliate kindergartens may also charge an enrolment fee and/or membership fee. Fees may also apply for excursions/incursions. Please see the kindy’s centre webpage for more information.
Further questions?
The C&K Service Support team are here to support you with any fee or subsidy-related questions. We're also happy to help you with any questions specific to your family's situation. Please complete our contact form with as much information as possible, and we'll get back to you, or give us a call on 1800 177 092.
In a huge win for Queensland families, the Australian Government will implement the '3 Day Guarantee', removing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test, from January 2026. Families will now be guaranteed at least 72 hours of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) per fortnight (equivalent to 3 days per week), regardless of their activity levels.
Sarah and Alex are a couple with one child accessing ECEC for 3 days (36 hours) per week. Their combined family income is $90,000 per annum. Sarah works full-time and Alex works 8 hours per week.
Previously, they received 36 hours of CCS per fortnight. From January 2026, they are automatically eligible for 72 hours per fortnight. This saves them $230 per week of care, or $11,400 per year. For different family income thresholds, the savings are:
At C&K, we look forward to opening our doors to new families, and seeing children attend for additional days in 2026! With 40 childcare centres across Queensland, we welcome children from six weeks to five years to learn, play, and thrive alongside our experienced teachers and educators.
Find your nearest C&K childcare centre, book a tour or begin an enrolment application ahead of time.
For more information, view the Fact Sheet - 3 Day Guarantee – Early Education - Department of Education, Australian Government
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government program that helps families with the cost of childcare. If you're eligible, CCS can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket childcare expenses, making quality early childhood education and care more accessible for your family. Here's everything you need to know about how CCS works and how to make the most of it.
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian federal government subsidy provided to eligible families to reduce the cost of childcare fees.
The amount of CCS you can claim depends on your circumstances, including income, activity hours (work, study, volunteering, or job searching), and the number of children in your care. Visit Services Australia for more details and examples.
From January 2026, the Australian Government will remove the CCS Activity Test, guaranteeing families at least 72 hours of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) per fortnight, regardless of their activity hours. For more information, view the Fact Sheet - 3 Day Guarantee – Early Education - Department of Education, Australian Government.
Services Australia pays the subsidy directly to C&K, reducing families' out-of-pocket fees. This means that your childcare fees are automatically reduced, and you only pay the gap amount. Until your CCS has been approved and commenced, C&K requires full payment of your childcare fees.
Based on individual circumstances, families can access up to 100 hours of subsidised care a fortnight through CCS. At C&K, we appreciate that each family is different with individual needs. We offer flexible booking options designed to help you maximise your CCS and access to early childhood education and care while minimising out-of-pocket costs.
Our childcare centres offer three options: a full-day session, a 10-hour session, and a 9-hour session. Our 9- and 10-hour sessions work with your schedule and start once your child is signed in; they do not have set start and finish times. Example: John and Laura are a couple with one child attending a C&K childcare centre. They are entitled to 100 hours CCS per fortnight. They maximise their CCS by choosing 10-hour sessions, resulting in all their childcare hours being fully subsidised (10 days a fortnight x 10 hours a day = 100 hours). Should John and Laura choose the full-day session instead, they would pay the full hourly rate for hours exceeding their 100-hour CCS entitlement.
Visit the Services Australia website to start the claim process.
For more information regarding CCS applications and payments: Visit Services Australia or call their Family Assistance Line on 136 150.
For assistance maximising CCS with flexible booking at C&K Queensland centres: Contact our Service Support team to discover how our flexible session options can help reduce your out-of-pocket childcare costs.
You’ve toured the childcare centre, accepted your enrolment offer, and organised your child’s start date… Now what? If this is your family’s first childcare experience, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. This comprehensive guide provides expert tips to ensure your family's smooth transition into childcare, helping both you and your child feel confident and prepared for the adventure ahead!
Before your child’s first day at childcare, we recommend attending several short Stay and Play sessions. These introductory visits are specifically designed to help your child become familiar with their new environment, meet their early childhood educators, and interact with future peers - all while having a trusted family member present for support.
Talk to your centre’s director to organise the most suitable times to visit. These sessions are also a great time to ask the educators any questions you may have.
To ensure the best possible care for your child, providing detailed information about their needs, preferences, and routines is essential. This communication helps educators deliver personalised care from day one. Important information to share includes:
Your director will provide a list of what you need to pack in your child’s bag, as this can vary from centre to centre. However, a general guide:
Please ensure that all belongings are labelled. Labelling your child’s belongings gives any misplaced items the best chance of finding their way back to you. Plus, our educators will thank you! Some options for labelling items include:
Labels with fun designs are a great way to help young children recognise their belongings even before they can read their name.
Medications must be labelled with a pharmacy label, including the child’s name and directions for use. This also applies to non-prescription items such as sunscreen and nappy cream.
If your baby or toddler is still breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you will need to think about how they receive their milk or formula. All of our childcare centres welcome breastfeeding mothers to come and feed their children during the day – please let your centre know if this is your intention so that they can ensure that there is a calm, quiet space for you.
If your child will be taking a bottle, you will need to provide bottles of milk or formula. Provide the number of individual bottles that your child will need each day. For example, if your child takes one bottle in the morning and one in the afternoon, you will need to provide two bottles. All bottles must be signed in when you drop your child off each day. Your director or educators will explain the process. If your child is usually breastfed but will be taking a bottle at childcare, it is important to make sure that they are comfortable with the bottle. Not all babies take to a bottle straight away – and that’s ok. It’s a good idea to practice at home beforehand. A few tricks to try if baby is refusing:
Calculating how much breastmilk your child will require can initially involve some trial and error – after all, it’s impossible to know exactly how much they drink from the breast! Our educators will record how much your child drinks each feed and will work together with you during those initial weeks to determine the ideal amount.
Many children benefit from the flexibility of attending for a few hours on their first day, building up to a full day over the course of a week or two as they become more comfortable and form attachments with their educators. This gradual approach reduces separation anxiety for both children and parents, and allows children to build confidence in the new environment.
Remember – you can always call the centre to see how your child is doing and decide when to pick them up as the day progresses.
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to the director of your childcare centre. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience about child development and successful childcare transitions. Your child's educators and the rest of the team at C&K will be on hand to support you and ensure that your family's transition to childcare is a calm, welcoming, and positive one. Good luck, we’ll see you soon!
Starting childcare is a big decision for any family, and it's natural to have questions. At C&K, we're here to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your child. Whether you're returning to work or looking for new learning opportunities for your little one, we'll support you from enrolment through to those first exciting days when your child settles into their new routine.
Check out our FAQs for everything you need to know about enrolment, fees, Free Kindy and what to expect at our centres.
How do I enrol? Complete the enrolment application form. Your child will be waitlisted, and you will be contacted when a place is available at your preferred centre.
Can I enrol if my child isn't vaccinated? Yes, but you will not be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and your fees will not be subsidised. Full fees will apply.
Do you have availability for my child? Get in touch with your preferred childcare centre for availability. Places fill fast! Join the waitlist ASAP.
I have multiple children, can they start at the same time? Please contact your preferred centre directly. Availability can change quickly, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
When can I enrol my child? As soon as you like! If you are still pregnant, you can add your baby’s known details to the application even if you haven’t chosen a name yet.
Can I book a tour? Yes, we’d love to meet you! Book a tour online or via phone with your preferred centre.
What is the settling in process? Once enrolled, we’ll arrange an orientation visit where you can discuss your child’s transition to care and learn more about our centre, our routines, and qualified early childhood educators. In addition, we recommend attending a few short stay and play sessions before your child’s first day. These sessions are designed to immerse and familiarise your child with the environment, their educators and peers, with a family member present for support. Some children may also benefit from the flexibility of attending for a few hours on their first day, building up to a full day over the course of a week or two as they become more comfortable and form attachments with their educators.
When will my child move rooms? Transitions occur based on your child’s age, developmental readiness, and room availability in our age-appropriate learning environments.
What are your staff to child ratios?
What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)? A federal government subsidy provided to eligible families to help with childcare costs. For more information, visit Services Australia.
Can I claim CCS at two centres? Yes, CCS can be shared across two centres if your child attends multiple locations.
What is Free Kindy? Free Kindy is a Queensland government subsidy that provides 15 hours/week free kindergarten for 40 weeks for eligible children (turning 4-years-old by June 30 in the year before they start Prep). For more information, visit Free Kindy.
Can I claim Free Kindy at two centres? No, Free Kindy can only be claimed at one centre. If your child attends a stand-alone kindergarten and a childcare centre, Free Kindy will usually be claimed at the stand-alone kindergarten.
Why do I still pay fees if kindy is free? Fees apply for extra care hours outside the 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year.
What will my fees be? The full childcare fee rate (without subsidies) is listed on each centre webpage. Your fee will depend on the subsidies you qualify for and your CCS percentage. Contact us for a personalised estimate.
Are your fees changing soon? Fees are reviewed yearly in July with notice to families. As a not-for-profit organisation, we aim to keep fees affordable for Queensland families and have developed a fee system to maximise family access to available subsidies.
How is Free Kindy delivered in childcare centres? Within the day, at our childcare centres in the kindy room, led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher (ECT).
Is food provided? Most centres provide fresh nutritious meals for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Seasonal menus are created by our qualified cooks and are tailored carefully for children with dietary requirements.
Can I bring breakfast? Check with your centre for their safe food procedure.
Opening hours? Childcare opening hours are typically 6:30am–6:00pm (varies by centre location across Queensland).
What is C&K’s curriculum? C&K has developed an Infant and Toddler Approach, which informs the way we care for and educate our babies and toddlers. Our philosophy for this age is to “slow down” and be in the moment with your child as they learn and explore the world. We focus on developing a deep and trusting relationship with each child.
Do I need a lunchbox? Most centres provide meals – check with your centre.
What should I pack in my child’s bag? When you enrol at C&K, you’ll receive everything you need to know about starting care, however a general guide:
It’s never too early to start the childcare enrolment process – places fill fast! Find your nearest C&K centre to book a tour, or complete an enrolment form to join our waitlist.
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Contact your local centre directly or reach out to our Service Support team.
Choosing the right childcare centre or kindergarten for your young child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. In Brisbane's bustling landscape of early childhood education options, finding the perfect fit for your family can feel overwhelming. Whether you're a new parent preparing for your return to work or looking to transition your child to kindergarten, this guide will help you navigate the process with confidence.
C&K offers a diverse range of early childhood education services to suit different family needs and budgets, including:
Community KindergartenC&K’s Government Approved Kindergarten Program is designed for children in the year before school, typically ages four to five. C&K has standalone community kindergartens (also known as sessional kindergarten), with Free Kindy for up to 15 hours a week for eligible age children.
Childcare centres Provide full-day programs, typically running from 7am to 6pm, making them ideal for busy parents. These centres cater to children from as young as six weeks up to school age, offering structured learning programs alongside flexible care arrangements. The C&K’s Government Approved Kindergarten Program and Free Kindy is integrated into these long day centres.
Kindergarten with Extended Hours Kindy with Extended Hours can be the perfect option for families wanting the standalone community kindergarten experience, but the shorter hours don't work for their schedule. These kindergartens typically operate between 8am and 6pm and continue throughout the school holidays. More time to play!
Begin by identifying your specific needs and circumstances. Consider your work schedule, budget, location preferences, and your child's personality and developmental stage. Some children thrive in larger, more structured environments, while others do better in smaller, more intimate settings.
Ready to look? Find a Centre and add in your preferred suburb/postcode to find a centre near you!
Location plays a crucial role in your daily routine. Consider not just proximity to your home, but also to your workplace, public transport routes, and other family activities. A centre that's slightly further from home but on your way to work might be more convenient than the closest option.
The quality of care and educational programs should be your top priority. We have been teaching, caring and growing alongside Queensland children for over 100 years. We employ qualified, experienced and passionate early childhood teachers and educators.
Visit potential centres during operating hours to observe the interactions between staff and children. Quality educators should be warm, engaged, and responsive to children's needs. The environment should feel welcoming and stimulating, with age-appropriate resources and adequate supervision.
Practical steps for your search
Start your search early, as our centres often have waiting lists. Some parents begin looking even before their child is born, particularly in highly sought-after areas or for specific age groups where places are limited.
Contact centres directly to arrange visits and ask about availability. Our doors are always open, and we encourage visits to discuss programs, philosophy, and daily routines. Don't hesitate to ask detailed questions about their approach to areas important to your family, such as nutrition, sleep routines, inclusion needs and cultural diversity.
We list our centres most recent assessment rating from Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority website. This gives valuable insight into their standards of operation.
We list all fees and inclusions to help families make accurate comparisons and budget appropriately.
Making the final decision
Trust your instincts after visiting centres and meeting the staff. Your child will spend significant time in this environment, so it's important that you feel comfortable with the people caring for them and confident in the centre's approach.
Consider starting with shorter sessions or visits to help your child transition gradually. Many centres offer 'Stay and Play', which can be particularly helpful for children who are new to group care or naturally more cautious in new situations.
Remember that the perfect centre for one family might not suit another. Focus on finding the right match for your child's personality, your family's values, and your practical needs.
Getting the most from your childcare experience
Once you've chosen a centre, building strong relationships with the educators enhances your child's experience. Regular communication about your child's development, interests, and any concerns helps create consistency between home and care environments.
Stay involved in your child's early learning journey by participating in centre events, reading daily reports, and discussing their experiences at home. This engagement not only supports your child's development but also helps you feel connected to this important part of their life.
Finding quality childcare in Brisbane requires research, patience, and careful consideration of your family's unique needs. Take the time to explore your options thoroughly, visit multiple centres, and ask plenty of questions. We strive to be an extension of your home, supporting your child's growth and development while giving your family confidence and peace of mind.
C&K's variety of early learning options in Brisbane means there's likely a perfect fit for your family, and we're here to help. Contact us via our online form or send us a message on social media to chat more about your needs.
Finding the right early childhood education setting for your child is a significant decision. As you prepare to tour potential centres during Open Week or at any time, here's what to observe and ask to help you make an informed choice for your family.
The environments
Pay attention to the physical space and atmosphere:
The educators, teachers and support staff
Observe how staff interact with children:
The Program
Understanding the educational approach is crucial:
Key questions to ask
Trust your instincts
Beyond facilities and programs, notice how you and your child feel in the space. The right centre should feel welcoming and align with your family's values and your child's personality and needs.
Remember that no question is too small when it comes to your child's care and education. Quality educators will appreciate your engagement and thoughtful questions about your child's well-being and development.
Take your time with this decision and visit multiple centres to see what environment feels right for your family. C&K Open Week is held in June each year, and is the perfect time to visit and see the regular flow of children and educators in the centre. Alternatively, you can book a tour at any time of the year. We hope to see you soon!
Searching for the right childcare or kindergarten can be challenging. Many factors must be considered before making this important choice, including location, availability, routines, quality ratings, educator experience, resources and inclusions, and, of course, the feel of the centre.
We have been learning, growing and playing alongside children for over one hundred years, and our top tip when choosing the right centre for your child is to visit and experience the magic of C&K yourself.
Every year, we invite our families and community to Open Week, which runs from Monday, June 2, to Saturday, June 7, across 170 early childhood education and care centres Queensland-wide!
Open Week provides a wonderful opportunity for families to step inside our vibrant learning environments, meet our passionate educators, and witness firsthand the magic that happens in our warm, welcoming spaces dedicated to childhood growth and discovery.
During Open Week, you'll have the chance to:
Every child deserves a supportive and inclusive environment where they can explore, create, and develop at their own pace. Our centres are committed to providing exactly that—spaces where curiosity is encouraged, independence is fostered, and the joy of childhood is celebrated daily.
Whether you're considering options to begin your child’s early learning journey, or looking to make a change, Open Week offers the perfect opportunity to find the right fit for your family.
Visit any participating centres between June 2 and 7 to experience the magic of childhood education for yourself. Add your postcode or suburb below to find your nearest Open Week event and RSVP now!
The 2024 pilot was a collaboration between the Creche and Kindergarten Association, the Department of Education and Mt Warren State School’s Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP). The program was a testament to the power of an inclusive learning environment.
The program sees Lisa and her co-educators, Jodie and Sheneen, partner with:
Inclusion isn’t just about access—it’s about belonging. The pilot program provided a play-based environment where Deaf or Hard of Hearing children could fully participate, while also giving every hearing child the opportunity to learn Auslan through play.
Of the 18 enrolled children in the kindergarten program, six were Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Several of the children have speech delays, global developmental delays, or autism. Every teacher showcased their vision of ‘inclusion is a culture’ – each interaction was intentional, focused, and joyous… and every single child thrived.
With the support of Anna signing every book Teacher/Director Lisa read and Jane signing and playing with a child in the home corner, every child actively participated in the learning program.
A moment that truly captured the heart of the program was when a hearing child tapped a Deaf child on the shoulder, waited for them to turn around and look at him, and then signed for him to come and join him in the block corner. The two children played collaboratively for a long time, communicating with simple and expressive Auslan as they built an extensive block structure, occasionally supported by Wendy.
In Australia, three to six children in every thousand have some degree of hearing loss, and approximately 250–400 children are born each year with significant permanent hearing loss in both ears.
Moments like these show us that when we foster understanding and embrace diversity, every child flourishes. This is what true inclusion looks like—one sign, one story, and one friendship at a time.
C&K is proud to continue offering this program in 2025 at C&K Indooroopilly Community Kindergarten, with Director/Teacher Lisa and the wider team supporting all children to flourish.
From January 2026, parents of young children will have guaranteed access to three days of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) each week, following legislation passed by the Australian Government on 13 February, 2025.
Currently, to qualify for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families must meet requirements of the Activity Test – proving work, study or volunteer hours for at least 16 hours a fortnight.
Under the new system, the Activity Test is replaced by the Three-Day Guarantee, and all families will be eligible for at least 72 hours of subsidised ECEC per fortnight (3 days per week), regardless of their activity levels.
What does this mean for our families?
Example of benefits
Sarah and Alex are a couple with one child accessing ECEC at 3 days (36 hours) per week. Their combined family income is $90,000 per annum. Sarah works full-time and Alex works 8 hours per week.
Previously, they received 36 hours of CCS per fortnight. From January 2026, they are automatically eligible for 72 hours per fortnight. This saves them $230 per week of care, or $11,400 per year.For different family income thresholds, the savings are:
The 3-Day Guarantee marks a significant step toward the government's goal of creating a universal early education and care system, while providing immediate cost-of-living relief for families.
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