As a parent, you may be asking yourself, “Is my child ready to start school next year?” “Should I delay prep?” “How do I know if my child is ready for big school?”
Starting school is a big milestone — for children and families. While age often guides the conversation, true school readiness is about much more than a birthday.
In Queensland, families have flexibility when it comes to starting Prep, and understanding your child’s individual development can help you make the best decision for their learning journey.
In Queensland, children are eligible to start Prep in the year they turn five by 30 June. However, school doesn’t become compulsory until six years and six months, meaning families can choose to delay Prep if they feel their child would benefit from more time to grow and develop.
This flexibility recognises something important: every child develops at their own pace.
School readiness isn’t just about knowing letters, numbers or how to write their name. While early literacy and numeracy are valuable, research shows that a child’s ability to thrive at school depends largely on their social and emotional development.
Key school readiness skills include:
These skills help children feel secure, capable and ready to engage with learning once they begin school.
High-quality early learning plays a vital role in supporting school readiness. In a nurturing and structured environment, children develop essential skills gradually and naturally through play, relationships and meaningful experiences.
At Little Scholars School of Early Learning, our kindergarten programs are thoughtfully designed to support each child’s individual journey. We focus on:
Our qualified early childhood teachers (ECT’s) and educators work closely with families to ensure children feel supported, understood and prepared for their next step — whether that’s starting Prep soon or taking a little more time.
If you’re beginning to think about Prep or wondering whether your child is truly school-ready, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Little Scholars is here to support your family every step of the way.
Families may also be eligible for Free Kindy in Queensland, giving children the opportunity to participate in a high-quality kindergarten program while building the confidence, social skills and emotional readiness needed for a smooth transition to school.
Feel free to book a tour or chat with our team to learn more about our kindergarten programs and how we can support your child’s confidence, development and readiness for school.
For many parents, walking into a childcare centre for the first time comes with a mix of nerves, hope and a hundred questions. During a tour at Little Scholars, something important usually happens – families start to picture their child here, happy, settled and thriving. That is often the moment they understand why 9 out of 10 parents who visit our campuses decide to enrol.
Here’s what parents tell us makes all the difference.
One of the first things families notice is how personal the experience is.
During every tour, our educators ask about each child’s interests, comfort items, allergies, routines and quirks — not out of obligation, but because we want to understand who your little one is before they even start.
Little Scholars is intentionally built around a warm, community feel. Parents tell us it feels like an extension of their family: educators who remember children’s favourite stories, who celebrate milestones, and who build relationships with parents from day one.
It’s that sense of belonging that makes the very first drop-off a little easier.
Our philosophy is simple: children learn best through play, exploration, imagination and real-world experiences.
Across our Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich and Redland Bay campuses, children enjoy:
Parents consistently tell us these are the things that set Little Scholars apart and make early learning feel meaningful.
A tour gives families a true feel for our campuses: the learning environments, the natural materials, the artwork created by children, the soft lighting and the open-ended, nature-inspired play spaces.
Outdoors, you’ll find large shaded areas, sand pits, climbing structures, gardens and spaces thoughtfully designed for curiosity and safe risk-taking.
Behind the scenes, we take safety seriously:
Parents consistently tell us our environments “just feel right” — clean, calm and full of possibility.
One of the biggest surprises for new families is how much is included in our daily nutrition program.
With seasonal meals prepared fresh by our in-house chefs, a typical day might include:
Parents love that Little Scholars removes the pressure of meal prep — and that their children are trying (and loving!) new foods every day.
We know parents are juggling a lot, so our support extends well beyond the classroom.
Across our campuses, families have access to a “village” of services and supports, including:
Families tell us this makes childcare feel easier, more connected, and more supportive of their lifestyle and work commitments.
One of the most common things we hear from our Kindergarten parents is “I can’t believe how ready they were.”
Our school readiness program builds independence, emotional resilience, social confidence and foundational literacy and numeracy skills — all embedded in hands-on, play-based experiences.
We’ve seen children who once struggled with separations now walking confidently into Prep with their friends. We’ve watched quieter children find their voice, and energetic children channel their curiosity into problem-solving and teamwork.
These are the moments families remember most.
Our educators support gentle, consistent routines and communicate closely with you. Most children adjust far more quickly than parents expect. We’ve written a blog on our tips and tricks for dealing with separation anxiety so be sure to check it out!
We encourage you to visit, ask questions, meet the educators and see the environment firsthand. Transparency and open communication are core to how we operate.
We offer a variety of options that can be tailored to meet the individual needs of every child, however you’ll find that within our relaxed, shared mealtimes, even the fussiest of eaters are often trying new foods!
We’d love to welcome you to your nearest Little Scholars campus.
Your child’s early years matter, and Little Scholars is here to make them extraordinary.
A brighter future for families is on the way. Starting 5 January 2026, the child care subsidy 2026 changes will introduce the new 3 Day Guarantee, giving CCS eligible families access to three full days (36 hours) of subsidised childcare per week – no matter how many hours you work or study.
At Little Scholars, we know how important affordable, flexible care is for families, and we’re here to help you understand what these changes mean for you.
The 3 Day Guarantee is part of upcoming changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). It removes the strict work and study requirements previously tied to accessing subsidised hours of care according to the Department of Education.
Here’s what families can expect from 2026:
This means more affordable care, more flexibility, and more opportunities for your child to thrive in early learning.
Not sure how much Child Care Subsidy you might be entitled to? Use our online Child Care Subsidy Calculator.
For many families, these changes will mean thousands of dollars in savings each year. But beyond the financial relief, it means every child has the opportunity to access quality early education – the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and wellbeing.
With your three guaranteed days of subsidised care, your child will experience the very best in early education across our purpose-built campuses.
Children connect with the natural world through exploration and play.
Bush, Beach, and Pram-kinder programs, music, dance, sport, soccer, swimming, gardening and more.
Experienced teachers deliver our nationally recognised Kindergarten program.
At Little Scholars, children engage with STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through hands-on, play-based experiences. Alongside our brand-new, Australian-first, WonderNest Virtual Reality program, opening new worlds of discovery and learning for kindergarten children in 2026.
Every child is more than just a number, they are part of our family. We provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children feel valued, celebrated, and encouraged to be themselves.
Our educators take the time to understand each child’s unique personality, interests, and learning style. This personalised approach to childcare ensures that every child feels a sense of belonging while developing confidence and independence.
Families choose Little Scholars because we combine high-quality early learning programs with a genuine family-first philosophy. From the moment you step into our campuses, you’ll see children thriving in a space that feels like home – where safety, wellbeing, and happiness come first.
With the 3 Day Guarantee set to launch in 2026, we anticipate an incredible level of interest and demand across our campuses. If you are a current family and your current CCS entitlement is less than 72 hours per fortnight, please speak with your Campus Manager to learn more about the 3 Day Guarantee and how to optimise your Child Care Subsidy.
If you are looking to enrol your child, you can book a tour at your local Little Scholars Campus or chat with our enrolments team on 1300 896 139 to see how your family could benefit from the CCS changes.
So you’ve decided to send your child to early learning – how exciting!
For first-time parents, preparing for this new chapter involves more than just packing a backpack, it means understanding key essentials like the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Navigating the CCS can seem daunting, but fear not! We’ve written a comprehensive guide to help demystify the process to help you understand how to maximise this support for your family’s benefit.
Here in this CCS explainer, we will lay out everything you need to know about and to apply for CCS, making it easier for you to support your child’s educational adventure.
Did you know you can apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) before you enrol your child in early learning?
Wait, what’s CCS? The Child Care subsidy is assistance to help families with the cost of childcare. Your child’s day in early learning is payable by a daily fee charged by the centre. The government may cover some of this fee, depending on your individual circumstances. This is what is referred to as the ‘subsidy’.
You may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy if you meet a number of factors. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) changed in July 2024 for families earning under $533,280. The percentage of CCS will vary depending on your family’s income, and the income limit to receive the maximum allowed CCS will increase as well. For families whose income is up to $83,280, you could receive up to 90% from the CCS toward your child’s daily fee.
If you have two or more children in care, subsequent children are eligible for a higher subsidy than the first child. For families who earn a total income of up to $141,321, those children will receive 95% from CCS off your daily fee.
There are several requirements to qualify for the Child Care Subsidy. You may qualify if:
• You or your partner care for the child a minimum of two nights / fortnight
• You or your partner are responsible for childcare fees
• The child meets immunisation requirements
• You use an approved child care service like Little Scholars!
Once you’re ready for your child to go into early learning, you can apply for CCS!
The CCS works on three factors:
• Your total combined family income
• The service type. This can be long day care, or outside-hours care such as vacation care
• How much ‘work-related’ activity you and your partner undertake each fortnight This includes paid work, volunteering, study and other activities as determined by education.gov.au. Job hunting, studying, starting a new business, volunteering and travel time – among others – are all eligible activities that will allow you to claim subsidised hours of care.
Our website has a handy calculator you can use to get an idea of how much CCS you’ll receive.
Apply for CCS via your MyGov Account, which is linked to Centrelink.
We recommend you do this as soon as you know when you might be sending your little one into early education and care, so it’s all set up and ready to go for your child’s first day. Don’t necessarily wait until you’ve enrolled with an early learning campus, because the entire process may take between four and six weeks, and if it’s not set up when you begin care, you may be paying full fees until it’s all complete.
Once your spot is booked in, confirm your Complying Written Agreement (CWA). When a CWA enrolment notice is created by the campus manager, there are two steps that need to be completed by the family:
1. You will be notified by email that the CWA is ready for you to agree to. A reminder will be sent via email should you not sign within 48 hours
2. Confirm your child’s government enrolment via MyGov. If you do not agree to the government enrolment, CCS cannot be paid.
Finally, we know change can be scary, overwhelming or confusing, as much for our parents as our little ones. We’re here for you from the day you book your tour to the day your child finishes their last day of kindergarten. We can absolutely help you navigate the CCS and other documents you need to help your child become a little scholars. Reach out to your campus manager, admin or any of the leadership team for guidance or further questions.
Becoming a foster parent is not all rainbows and butterflies, it is a wholehearted decision which requires dedication and effort. It is a commitment that you choose and one that can helps provide a safe and caring environment for children and young people in our community. As a foster parent there are incredible opportunities presented in so many different forms, however, it is vital you have an insight into what is involved in becoming a foster parent so that you feel totally equipped and prepared for your journey.
What we are going to share with you is all based from personal experiences from our regional manager, Skye Ible, and we know many of you who are looking to foster a child or are in the process currently will be able to relate to Skye’s experiences entirely.
If you are not aware, becoming a foster parent is a lengthy and complex process, but if you are aware of that before going into your application, it will take away the overwhelming feelings of wow, this is a lot to take in. Do not let the complex application haunt you, we have been told that once you find the right organisation that fits right with you, you will have endless support from the agency, and this will impact your fostering experience in a tremendously positive way.
It is helpful you know there are expectations that the agency will require of you when you start your application. You will be asked to attend an initial training – these are normally at night and then at nigh- time you are given workbooks to complete in the comfort of your home. There are also safety checklists you need to complete of your home environment, as well as making the necessary changes if needed. The support workers will visit your home for an assessment, and it is vital you are prepared to talk about everything from throughout your life which entails good and bad from childhood until present. It is super important to go through this assessment period as the agencies need to know if the children are going into a safe and supportive environment, and if you have children of your own or a partner, they will always assess whether your child can handle the fostering of other children.
The foster agency will always ask for at least two references to contact and if you are approved, they will call within 24 hours offering you a child. One piece of advice from talking with our own foster parent is, to be prepared and compile a list of questions ready to talk through with your support person just so you can decide if the child is a suitable match for your family. Do not be afraid to speak up if the placement isn’t working as it is about the foster child’s needs as well as your own, and most of the time there will always be another family out there suited to this child.
During the journey of being a new foster parent, keep in mind that some children crave love and attention but don’t always know how to ask for it. Some children may say ‘ I love you’ or call you ‘mum or dad’ within a few months and some might not feel comfortable letting another person in. All you can do is remind yourself that this child has gone through more than imaginable, and all you can do is open up your hearts and home to show them that they are loved and safe. If you have a strong family unit and strong support system in place, this will help you get through any hick ups that come up along the way.
Whether you are a single person, married, same sex or dating you are eligible to foster a child but remember you must have a spare room in your home to allow for privacy for the child, and everyone must attend a training session as a requirement of being a foster parent. Life is to be lived to the fullest and knowing that a child’s life can be lived to their fullest with another person’s love, devotion and care is nothing short of extraordinary, so we truly commend all the amazing families who do everything in their will to make sure these children are given a second chance at life.
Thank you so much to Skye for sharing such personal and incredible insights with us, you are an inspiration to us all. Every child deserves a chance at a better life.
If you want to find out more about becoming a foster parent within Queensland, please refer to the resources shared with us below.
3 steps to telling the difference.
Everywhere you look these days there seems to be more and more ‘free’ foods. Dairy free, gluten free, egg free, nut free… So, it is any wonder that parents are considering food as the culprit if their child has developed unusual symptoms or behaviours.
When considering food as a potential cause, it is important to first understand the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance.
A food allergy is when your immune system has a strong overreaction to that food. The reaction can cause things like swelling in the face, lips and eyes, hives, tummy pain, vomiting and in some cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat. In babies, other symptoms (but uncommon) include reflux, colic, diarrhoea and eczema
A food intolerance on the other hand doesn’t involve the immune system so the symptoms tend to be a little different. Firstly, the reactions can take days to appear after repeatedly eating certain foods. This delay can make it very difficult to find what is causing it. It is a bit like how some people will experience side effects from a medication and others don’t. To make things more confusing, the reactions can be similar to food allergies.
So what do you do if you suspect a food allergy or intolerance:
There is no shortcut or hack unfortunately when it comes to diagnosing food intolerances. Even a blood test can’t find the answer. Any tests you see advertised that say they can, will give you what is known as ‘false positives’. It will tell you have food intolerances that don’t exist. If there was a reliable test then allergy clinics run by medical doctors would offer them. But they don’t.
Now that you have the facts, I have a final word of caution. Don’t eliminate foods or food groups randomly in the hope of finding the culprit. This scattergun approach can do more harm than good and you could be wasting a lot of precious time looking in the wrong places. Unfortunately, we see this all too much in our clinic and it makes me so sad to see mums and dads at the end of their tether and children becoming more and more cautious and confused about food. The knowledge and experience of the right health professional can get you get to an answer quicker and with less disruption to family mealtimes, and as a parent, that’s gold dust!
Written by: Anna D’Arcy, Accredited Practising Dietitian at My Nutrition Clinic. Anna is a mum to two children under 10 years and has 20 years of experience working as a dietitian and helping families reach their health potential.
Little Scholars’ Government Approved Kindergarten Program is the perfect way to help your child prepare for prep and everything that transition entails. As a parent, you have probably given considerable thought to where to send your child once they’re ready to take that next step. Consulting primary school rankings is one way that you can arm yourself with the information required to do the very best by your daughter or son.
Checking primary school rankings is only one part of the puzzle when it comes to choosing educational options. You may also want to consider the following:
Little Scholars would recommend getting as much information as you can as early in the process as possible. Booking a tour to see the school and the learning in action will allow you the opportunity to truly get a feel for the culture of the place.
With that in mind, comparing primary school rankings can be a good way to gauge how the school approaches literacy and numeracy, as well as the access that it has to educational resources.
Here are the primary school rankings for educational establishments that surround our seven centres. Using this information as part of your decision, in consultation with your Little Scholars teachers, could help you make the choice that will shape your child’s educational journey.
Our George Street campus is located right in the heart of the city, providing easy access to Roma Street Transit Centre and the George Street Bus Depot. It’s only 300 metres away from the Queen Street Mall and it’s very close to some of Brisbane’s best schools.
Primary School Rankings as determined by state overall scores:
The gorgeous Little Scholars School of Early Learning Campus in Ashmore is firmly ensconced in the fabulous surrounding bush environment. This brand new centre boasts state of the art facilities presented in a calming, relaxing design that showcases the great work that goes on there.
Primary School Rankings for nearby schools:
Huge learning spaces and the promise of before and after school care (including vacation care) make our Little Scholars Deception Bay campus an attractive option for many families. There are a number of great schools nearby that you may be interested in for your son or daughter’s prep years (and beyond).
Primary School Rankings for nearby schools:
The Little Scholars School of Early Learning in Nerang is the newest member of the Little Scholars educational family. Their vision for the lucky students who attend is to arm them as much as possible with the skills they need to get ahead in today’s modern world; a great place for preparation for primary school! \
Primary School Rankings for nearby schools:
The Little Scholars School of Early Learning in Redland Bay is the glittering jewel in the crown of bayside life for local families. This centre provides state of the art educational programs, specialised teaching and plentiful resources to the students.
Primary School Rankings for nearby schools:
The picturesque Stapylton campus of Little Scholars has been awarded a 6 star Eco Estate rating. The good works of the staff have ensured that attendees of Little Scholars are primed and ready to support their environment in the years to come.
Primary School Rankings for nearby schools:
The Yatala campus of Little Scholars School of Early Learning offers premium educational opportunities in an expansive, responsive setting. The indoor / outdoor program takes advantage of the space and incredible design on offer to students.
Primary School Rankings for nearby schools:
Have further questions regarding primary school rankings and preparing your child for school? Get in contact with Little Scholars to discuss how to best move your child from childcare to kindergarten to prep. It doesn’t have to be a scary time – you just need the right support.
An easy transition from kindy to prep is crucial for your child’s well-being.
We can help your child make this big step. Our kindy program goes beyond academic preparation. We take your child’s well-being seriously, talk to us now.
Parents spend countless hours trying to make sure their kids are behaving, eating their dinner, and doing their homework. But how often do we take the time to focus on how to boost your child’s confidence?
Yes, most kids are far more interested in the eating rather than the preparing of foods, but you’ll be surprised by how much one experience can turn things around. One morning we asked our son to be the “assistant chef” when we were preparing blueberry pancakes. Many mornings later, he now often insists on being involved in the kitchen, and he’s always incredibly proud of the end product.
Like adults, kids want to be taken seriously. When they get the sense they’re being mocked (or laughed at, to their face), their instinct is to get angry, shut down, and not share more ideas for fear of more of the same treatment. After all, kids naturally see the world through a different lens than we do. You might be surprised what you hear once you show your child that you’re listening and that you take their ideas seriously.
My 6-year-old expressed a legitimate interest in football, so I invited him to come with me to a friend’s Super Bowl party. No other children were coming, and I made him aware of that. He hesitated for a moment, but then agreed to join me. At the party, it was clear he wasn’t completely comfortable and was unsure how to act, especially since he only knew me and the host. But after a while, he was talking about “Star Wars” and lounging on the couch like one of the guys. The only way to establish a level of comfort is to first experience discomfort.
While I don’t believe in forcing your own personal interests or hobbies on your children, playing an instrument yields too many positive results for it to be ignored. Once they’ve reached an age where they’re dextrally and mentally capable, learning to play an instrument not only relieves stress (yes, kids have stress, too) but it can also boost self-esteem in a major way.
Yes, most kids are far more interested in the eating rather than the preparing of foods, but you’ll be surprised by how much one experience can turn things around. One morning we asked our son to be the “assistant chef” when we were preparing blueberry pancakes. Many mornings later, he now often insists on being involved in the kitchen, and he’s always incredibly proud of the end product
I’m not talking about giving them a gold star every time they eat a carrot. I’m not an “every kid gets a trophy” believer. But in my experience, children react favorably to receiving praise for going above and beyond—naturally, anyone does. However, it’s even more important to show children that extra effort will yield benefits in order to instill the idea within them that they’re capable of greatness and that hard work pays dividends.
Very little empowers a child more than having them believe they know something you don’t. A beginner’s card trick, a scale on the piano, or anything that positions them as the subject matter expert will work. Encourage them to share their knowledge (without bragging) with you and others. Odds are they’ll be brimming with confidence with their head held high.
I’ve found that most people don’t think they’re creative because they were never encouraged to be. I once overheard my wife reading to my son, and she stopped turning the pages and simply asked him, “What do you think should happen next?” His eyes lit up. Simple questions like this are what awaken a part of the brain that might otherwise sit dormant.
This one seems intuitive, but often gets overlooked. Whether we know it or not, we’re our child’s most pronounced role model. So, how can we expect our kids to have confidence when we’re the ones they look up to and we don’t even have it?
If you have a 7-year-old who recently started throwing a fit every time you make eye contact with her, odds are it’s for a reason. The easy, instinctive thing to do is to punish her and be done with it. The more forward-thinking approach also includes sitting down afterward to talk and figuring out the exact reason for the anger (or what I like to call “The Danny Tanner Method,” you know, from “Full House”?). It lets them know you’ll actually listen to them, which provides a certain stability within a household that children need in order to feel secure.
While success is pretty easy to deal with, learning to cope with failure is no easy task, especially when you’re not used to it. And in order to get used to it, you simply have to experience it, time and time again. It doesn’t come naturally to me, but I let my kids fail sometimes—while trying to build Legos or attempting to ride a bike without training wheels. It may anger them at first, but as Ann Landers said, “It’s not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”
Wondering how Little Scholars can help boost your child’s confidence? Contact us today for more information.
Wondering how Little Scholars can help boost your child’s confidence? Contact us today for more information.
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
