The Department of Education has announced that its free Playgroup campaign has been extended.
The decision means thousands more Queensland families with children under one year of age will have access to the campaign.
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said the successful Play Stars initiative would continue for another three years, providing additional support for up to 10,000 Playgroup families.
“We want to continue to create opportunities for every child to access quality early years experiences, no matter where they live,” Ms Grace said.
“Playgroups give babies and young children opportunities to build the foundations for social, emotional and physical development. They also support young parents and carers to build social networks and share experiences.”
She said this had been particularly important throughout 2020, when Playgroup Queensland offered Playgroup at Home activities to minimise isolation for parents and carers and children.
Chief Executive of Playgroup Queensland, Kirsty Dixon said the organisation was pleased to celebrate the milestone of welcoming 10,000 families to the Play Stars initiative over the past five years.
“The commitment of a further $2.4 million, over the next three years will allow many more families the opportunity to join the supportive and nurturing environment of Playgroup,” Ms Dixon said.
“We cannot wait to welcome more to our Playgroup Queensland family.”
Play Stars provides free 12-month Playgroup Queensland membership, including access to online resources, for any Queensland family with a child under one.
The funding was due to end in mid-2021.
