Smiles, tears, hugs and an excited buzz filled early childhood services last week as families were welcomed for the 2023 kindy year.
Imogen from Brisbane’s northside is enrolled in kindy this year, like thousands of Queensland children, and she couldn’t have looked happier.
Wearing her favourite unicorn backpack and equally bright smile, Imogen, who turns 4 next month, was ready to make friends, draw and play on the monkey bars on her first day.
'I can’t wait to meet the teachers and the class puppet,' Imogen said.
Imogen’s mum, Laura, shared her daughter’s excitement.
'It will be great for Imogen to start kindy, make friends, learn and play with other kids her age,' she said.
'I believe kindy is a very important step to prepare children for school.
It helps to establish a routine and will allow Imogen to develop important skills such as independence, making friends and learning how to problem solve.'
Laura said attending a couple of play dates last year at their service was a great way to prepare for the big move to kindy.
'We had a private tour, attended the open day and have had 2 play dates,' she said.
'When we toured the kindy room, you could see how happy and engaged the children were.'
Laura encouraged anyone unsure about enrolling their child in kindy to attend open days or ask for a tour of the service they are interested in.
This way, both the parent or carer and their child can get a feel for the service and its community.
From 2023, the Queensland Government is
making kindy cheaper for many families to help ensure every child has a great start. Whether a child attends kindy in a sessional kindergarten or in a long day care, it may be free, or cheaper.
For more information and resources to share with families thinking about enrolling in kindergarten, visit the
kindergarten page.