Purpose
To assist the K–2 Strategy Branch in regional place-based responses to enhance positive transitions for children and support State Delivered Kindergartens (SDKs).
Funding is focused on supporting seamless transitions from early childhood education to school, ensuring adequate access to early childhood teachers in SDKs, and enhancing early years curriculum and teaching capability.
Duration of program
2026–2028
Eligibility
Identified state schools
Allocation of funds
Funding for this program is distributed across the Department of Education's 8 regions and in line with the Regional K–2 Early Years funding allocation.
Central Office will allocate funding to regions determined by number of schools and number of SDKs with the purpose of positive outcomes for children.
Funding may be allocated through direct support to schools for transitions/capability development, employment of school-based staff, or regionally based support staff who assist in implementing early years program strategies within identified school communities.
Classification of any school-based positions is regionally determined and negotiated, with funding allocations informed by the current salary schedule.
In 2025–26, the program is supported by a $6.9 million budget allocation, and in 2026–27, the program is supported by a $7.1 million budget allocation.
| Support transitions for identified small schools | $5,000 per identified small school |
| Discretionary funds (regions to identify 20 schools to receive funding to support positive transitions) | $100,000 total.
$5,000 for 20 individual schools |
| Additional discretionary funds (regions identify additional schools to receive funding to support positive transitions) | Central office determined |
| Communities of practice (or similar). Regions plan and facilitate to support capability development | $50,000
|
| Transition/curriculum/pedagogy funding regionally identified to schools (90% direct to schools, 10% cross regional mentoring) | $3,500 per school per region |
| KindyLinQ funding (2026 only, 4 locations) | $33,098.50 per service |
| Administration support for SDK schools—2 hours per SDK (in scope) and 1 hour per SDK (out of scope) for 6 months | Based on current salary schedule |
| Collaborative learning community (or similar). Regions plan and facilitate to support capability development | $75,000 |
| Inclusion support for SDKs, regionally determined | $5,000 base amount per region and $1,000 per SDK |
| Top up establishment for regional SDK support staff including travel | Based on current salary schedule, Human Resources and Central Office determined
|
Payment details
Regional offices, in consultation with school principals, will determine the timing and amounts of payments for targeted strategies, recruitment, or contract negotiations.
| Regional K–2 Strategies funding | Semester 1 | Up to 100% of allocation
|
How to apply
Schools and communities requiring targeted early years support have been identified by regional Partnership and Program teams.
Regions will engage with relevant schools to implement and support program delivery.
Contact
K–2 Strategy Branch
Early Childhood, Regulation and Communication
Phone: (07) 3328 6799
Email:
k–2.strategy@qed.qld.gov.au