Townsville, Wednesday 18 June – The Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland (ACA Qld) has welcomed the launch of the Queensland Government’s new Healthy Kindy Kids pilot program in Townsville, describing it as a significant step forward in supporting the health and wellbeing of young children during their critical early years.
Premier David Crisafulli announced the pilot program, which will provide targeted health and wellbeing support for children attending kindergarten across Queensland, with the aim of giving children the best start in life through early identification and intervention.
ACA Qld President, Majella Fitzsimmons, applauded the initiative and reiterated the important role of early learning services in promoting healthy child development.
“The Healthy Kindy Kids program is a welcome and much-needed initiative that will allow early childhood educators and health professionals to work more closely together to identify developmental concerns and support children’s overall wellbeing,” Ms Fitzsimmons said.
“This program recognises what those of us in the early learning sector have known for a long time – that the earlier we can support a child’s health, development and wellbeing, the better the outcomes are long-term.”
ACA Qld, which represents Queensland’s long day care providers, supports continued investment in initiatives that prioritise the holistic development of children – including their physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs.
“We commend the Queensland Government for recognising the value of early intervention and for investing in the wellbeing of young Queenslanders,” Ms Fitzsimmons added.
“We hope this pilot paves the way for a broader rollout across the state, ensuring all children – regardless of where they live – have access to the support they need during these formative years.”
ACA Qld looks forward to engaging with the Queensland Government and local services as the pilot progresses and evaluating opportunities to expand and strengthen health-based support within early childhood education and care settings.
ACA Qld is proud to have advocated for greater health and wellbeing support in early learning settings, and welcomes the government’s commitment to this pilot. ACA Qld greatly appreciates the strong and collaborative relationship with government that makes it possible to deliver positive outcomes for Queensland children and families.
For more information or for interview requests, please contact:
Kat Orchard on behalf of ACA Qld
0449 188 561
kat@jagcommunications.com.au
About Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland
The Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland (ACA Qld) is a leading voice in advocating for high-quality early childhood education and care in Queensland. As Queensland's peak body for the sector, our membership represents close to 940 early learning (childcare) services, employing an estimated 17,500 early childhood educators and teachers who educate and care for around 200,100 children of 263,800 parents. ACA Qld is a not-for-profit organisation committed to ensuring that every Queensland child has the best start in life.