Families in Pine Rivers will benefit from 2 new kindergarten services operating in the area from next year, at AEIOU at Bray Park and The Little Genesis Early Learning Centre, Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers said today.

Carolyn Male MP welcomed today’s announcement of the first 140 long day care centres to be funded for kindergarten as part of the Bligh Government’s pilot program.

Long Day Care centres around the state will be subsidised to offer kindergarten programs taught by qualified teachers as part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to universal access.

“I know these extra services will be welcomed by parents in our region,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“We know that the early years are critical - access to quality early childhood education gives children a better chance of success at school and in life.”

“Currently only 29 per cent of Queensland children are accessing a quality early childhood program.”

“This is something we are working hard to change as part of our goal to provide universal access to kindergarten by 2014.”

“Subsidising long day care centres to provide kindergarten programs is just one of the ways the Government is aiming to reach this goal.”

“I’m very pleased that there will be an extra 2 places where local parents can access kindergarten services in our area.”

“Having a kindergarten program combined with the convenience of long day care will be great for working parents who want their children to access quality early education.”

“Our initiative is about investing in the future of Queensland by providing more choice for parents who want their children to take part in a quality early childhood education program.”