Queensland children will soon have better access to vital early health support, with a new Healthy Kindy Kids program offering free health checks for kindy-aged kids.
The Healthy Kindy Kids program will provide on-site screening for vision, hearing, speech and language development at approved kindergarten programs and childcare centres. The goal is to identify potential health or developmental concerns early — before children start school — so families can get help when it matters most.
The $37.5 million program is expected to benefit up to 60,000 children annually once fully implemented across the state by the end of 2027. The pilot has now launched in Townsville, with plans to expand to South East Queensland in 2026.
What families can expect from the free health checks
Under the program, Queensland Health teams — including allied health assistants, students and enrolled nurses supervised by senior professionals — will visit participating kindy programs to carry out the free health checks.
Children whose parents or teachers have raised developmental or health concerns will be prioritised, but all families will have access as the rollout continues statewide.
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the program would help ensure every Queensland child gets the best possible start to learning.
“Healthy Kindy Kids will help identify children who have undiagnosed health or development issues, so we can provide the support they need early on,” he said.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the initiative would make it easier for families to access essential care.
“This program will remove barriers for Queensland families to access health checks for free and help their children reach their full potential,” he said.
Why early screening matters
Early childhood educators often report that undetected issues with hearing, vision, or speech can lead to learning difficulties and disengagement once children start school. By addressing these challenges early, families can access targeted therapies or specialist support more effectively.
The Healthy Kindy Kids program is part of a broader effort to improve access to healthcare for young Queenslanders, ensuring all children have the opportunity to start school healthy, confident and ready to learn.
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