Community Kindy kids Megan Crother (front) with classmates Caitlyn Rhodes, Lachlan Fritz, Madelon Weier and Amelia King.
Community Kindy kids Megan Crother (front) with classmates Caitlyn Rhodes, Lachlan Fritz, Madelon Weier and Amelia King. Kerri Burns-Taylor

Kindy option opens up

KINDERGARTEN was once a bit of a luxury for some youngsters, with fees making it out of reach of struggling families.

But a strong push from the Federal Government to make it accessible to everyone has opened up the opportunity to some who had thought it was idealistic.

Warwick Community Kindergarten treasurer Anna Jackson said rebates had encouraged parents to open their minds to kindy.

"The health care card rebate has made a big impact and means kids can attend kindy for as little as $10 a week," she said.

"Before you might have been looking at $70-$80.

Glennie Heights State School has offered a kindergarten program this year, with St Mary's to implement its own class next year.

Mrs Jackson said she hoped the growing choice and affordability would be beneficial to parents.

"People should be able to choose where they send their kids and with fees becoming more affordable, the only concern should be where you want your children to be," she said.

"Our philosophy has always been about preparing any child for life-long learning and that is never going to change."

Glennie Heights principal Paul O'Mara said the school's kindergarten program was a huge success in its first year.

"I think the attraction of having one drop-off and pick-up for parents has been a big thing for parents," he said.

"And I can see it is going to help the students transition to the school after kindergarten.

"It has been a very positive for our school community and has been responded to well."

Members of the Warwick Community Kindy will be at Rose City Shoppingworld next week to speak to any parents or caregivers who are considering kindy for their child.



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