Hospital Kindy expands to regional Queensland, bringing early learning to young patients

Children undergoing treatment in Queensland hospitals will soon have greater access to early learning, with the expansion of the Hospital Kindy program to eight regional locations across the state.

The initiative, backed by an annual investment of more than $700,000 from the Crisafulli Government, extends play-based education to children receiving care in hospital settings. The program is delivered by qualified teachers and tailored to each child’s individual learning, physical and emotional needs.

Building on the success of the Queensland Children’s Hospital model, the program commenced its regional rollout in Term 3 2025 across hospitals in Cairns, the Gold Coast, Logan and Townsville. Since launch, more than 100 bedside kindy sessions have been delivered to 68 children.

In 2026, the program will be extended further to hospitals in Ipswich, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.

Hospital Kindy ensures continuity of learning for young children facing extended or recurrent hospital stays. As a flexible, developmentally appropriate model, it helps minimise disruption to early education while reducing stress for families during periods of acute health care.

Queensland Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the program reflects the government’s focus on “better services for families” across the state.

“Kindy helps children’s early learning and development and sets them up for school through play-based education,” Mr Langbroek said.

“It’s important that children who are affected by illness or injury can continue to learn while they’re undergoing treatment, and this program helps give parents and carers one less thing to worry about.”

Hospital Kindy forms part of a broader $21.9 billion education budget which also includes the delivery of 15 new schools, more teachers and teacher aides, and a focus on safer learning environments.

Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls highlighted the significance of the partnership between the Department of Education and Queensland Health.

“Hospital education is not just a service, it’s a lifeline that keeps children connected to school, their peers and their futures,” Mr Nicholls said.

“Queensland’s world-class hospital kindy and education services ensure that when young children face serious illness or long hospital stays, their learning and development doesn’t stop.”

Queensland Children’s Hospital School Executive Principal Michelle Bond also welcomed the statewide expansion, noting the positive impact already seen in Brisbane.

“In partnership with regional hospitals, we already deliver 25 quality educational programs to students who are inpatients, outpatients and their families at hospitals and health sites across Queensland. 

“Our highly qualified teachers and support staff deliver tailored school educational programs across all our hospital programs.  We look forward to welcoming a whole new cohort of kindergarten-aged children to our hospital education programs in regional Queensland.” 

To learn more about the Hospital Kindy program, visit the Queensland Children’s Hospital School website.