Queensland launches $37.5 million pilot to deliver free health checks in kindergartens

Children attending kindergarten in Townsville will be the first in Queensland to benefit from free, on-site health checks, as part of a $37.5 million pilot program announced ahead of the 2025–26 State Budget.

The new initiative, titled Healthy Kindy Kids, is designed to support early identification of health and developmental needs in the year before school. It will provide children in kindergartens and long day care services with access to hearing, vision, speech, and general developmental checks delivered directly at their early learning setting.

Supporting children

The pilot responds to long-standing sector calls to bring essential health services into early education environments, reducing barriers for families and ensuring children start school with the best possible support.

Premier David Crisafulli said the program reflects a commitment to setting children up for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

“Healthy kids are healthy learners. These checks mean children will be ready and raring for their first years of school.”

The pilot will begin in Townsville and is expected to be the first phase of a broader rollout. If successful, the program could expand to other regions as part of the Queensland Government’s long-term early childhood strategy.

A proactive approach to school readiness

Early childhood educators frequently observe the impact of undetected health concerns on children’s ability to engage and thrive in learning environments. By embedding health screening within the final year of kindergarten, the pilot aims to strengthen developmental outcomes and reduce the need for intensive support later in schooling.

Key features of the Healthy Kindy Kids pilot include:

• Free on-site health assessments in ECEC settings
• Focus areas: vision, hearing, speech and developmental health
• Connection to follow-up services for children needing additional support
• Collaborative handover between early learning providers and schools to ensure continuity of care

Investing in prevention, not just response

The Queensland Government says the program recognises that the earlier developmental concerns are identified, the more effective interventions can be.

Enabling assessments within the familiar context of early learning services also ensures greater access and participation particularly for children in rural, regional or disadvantaged communities who may face barriers to external appointments.

Budgeted at $37.5 million, the pilot includes funding for workforce, equipment, coordination and referrals. Feedback from the pilot will inform future statewide models.

The announcement has been welcomed by educators and health professionals alike, with many describing it as a critical step toward embedding early intervention within the ECEC system.

More information about the full Healthy Kindy Kids implementation will be released alongside the 2025–26 Queensland Budget.