Is your service ready? Key updates to Queensland kindergarten funding in 2026

Queensland’s Kindergarten Funding program continues to evolve as a key mechanism to expand access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). From 1 January 2026, updated funding category guidelines and funding essentials will take effect, building on the reforms introduced in 2025 and reinforcing the state’s commitment to free kindergarten for all Queensland families.

• 2026 sessional kindergartens
• 2026 long day care services
• Funding category guidelines

• Clarification that fees and the Gap Fee Subsidy must reflect the hours of the approved kindergarten program.
• Updated processes allow services to maintain Approved Kindergarten Program Provider (KPP) status even in the absence of an early childhood teacher under certain conditions.
• Sessional kindergartens can now enrol non‑eligible children into kindergarten programs from Term 1.
• New guidance on managing delayed exits from kindergarten programs.
• Clearer information on how children on visas are treated under funding arrangements.
• Additional information on absences and children returning to kindergarten from Prep.
• A grace period applies for exceptional circumstances where long day care services lose an early childhood teacher.
• Services applying under “working towards” or ineligible exceptional circumstances must now include a workforce plan.
• Information on workforce support opportunities and professional development has been expanded.
• Clearer guidance on what is included and excluded under funded activities and spending rules.
• Updated advice on calculating the gap fee subsidy for long day care services with a 5‑hour kindergarten day.
• Eligibility cut‑off dates and guidance on transitions of ownership have been included.
• Services receiving per capita subsidy will no longer be eligible for other kindergarten subsidies or supports such as Kindy Uplift.
• Kindergarten subsidies cannot be used for payment of childcare management company fees, including base subsidy, inclusion ready subsidy, service location subsidy, and Kindy Uplift.

• Kindergarten Funding Essentials – Long Day Care Services
• Information webinar — Queensland Kindergarten Funding Essentials
• Quick reference guides
• Frequently asked questions
• Recordkeeping checklist
• Subsidy spending rules
• Eligibility checklist
• Eligible activities ready reckoner
• Exceptional circumstance application forms
• Grace period application forms

• Kindergarten Funding Essentials – Sessional Kindergartens
• Information webinar
• Quick reference guides
• Recordkeeping and eligibility tools

• Statement of Fees Template — Free Kindy
• Example Parent Fees Letter Template
• Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) Annual Plans
• Workforce planning tools