Resources for Early Childhood Development

Bullying is repeated behaviour directed towards a person that is intended to cause harm or fear. It may be physical, verbal, psychological or social. When this happens online through the internet or mobile devices it is called cyber-bullying.

Queensland schools have resources for teachers and procedures in place for dealing with bullying and cyber-bullying. Their aim is to create a safe and supportive environment for students. Resources are available for parents and children. These include websites, helplines and counselling services. Visit this page for more information.

Under the Disability Inclusion Support for Queensland kindergartens (DISQK) funding program, kindergarten services can access between $2,000 and $8,000 to assist children with a diagnosed or suspected disability actively participate in a kindergarten program. Click here for more information on the DISQK funding program.

For more information on how to apply, including how to lodge an application for additional funding through the DISKQ program, phone the DISQK team on (07) 3328 6720 or email disability.inclusionsupport@det.qld.gov.au.

Facts about before and after school care;

• For school aged children including those in prep.
• Generally provided before and after school (7-9 am and 3-6 pm) and for 10 – 12 hours per day during school holidays and pupil free days.
• Delivered in a variety of locations (e.g. schools, youth clubs, community centres).
• Each service has individual working hours and fee structures. Contact the provider directly to find out about hours, fees and enrollment eligibility.
• Programs are designed and delivered by qualified educators.
• Services must comply with a range of legislative requirements, including physical environments, staffing requirements including educator to child ratios. To find out more about about quality assessments and ratings click here.

Most outside school hours care services are approved by the Australian Government. This means that families using the services may be eligible for a range of Centrelink payments.

Child Care Benefit (CCB) helps with the cost of approved and registered care.

Child Care Rebate (CCR) helps with out of pocket expenses for approved care if you’re working, studying or training. You may be able to get CCR even if your income is too high for CCB.

Jobs, Education and Training (JET) Child Care Fee Assistance helps with the cost of approved child care if you’re receiving a certain income support payment and are doing activities such as searching for a job, working or studying.

For more information, please visit this website.

How is it similar to centre based child care?

• Family day care provides early childhood education and care services for children across Australia.
• Family day care operates under the same National Quality Framework (NQF) as other forms of child care; incorporating National Regulations, National Quality Standards educational frameworks and an assessment and ratings process.
• Parents are eligible for the same Federal Government Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate subsidies.

How is it different to other forms of child care?

• Your child’s education and care is provided by an individual educator who is an early childhood education and care professional, operating within their own home.
• Educators work with small groups of no more than four children under school age at any one time.
• Educators work with an approved service that carries out regular visits to monitor the children’s individual development and provide support.

For more information about Family Day Care, visit their website.

To find family day care in your area, click here.

Choosing a nanny or babysitter and what to look for:

• Trust is the most important factor when choosing a babysitter or nanny. Are they experienced?
• Ask friends, relatives, your doctor or nurse if they can recommend anyone or know of a reputable agency.
• Check that they have Blue Card. Blue Cards are required for all people who work with children in Queensland.
• Employ a nanny or babysitter on a trial basis to see how they get along with your children.

For more information, including eligibility for government payments, visit this website.