Capalaba MP Don Brown has called for applications from providers for a new early years service.
Early years services bring together early childhood education and care, child and maternal health and family support services.
Programs and services may include playgroups, music therapy programs, homework clubs, parenting programs, home visiting support, health checks for children, health specialist referral and support and transition to school programs.
Programs and services to be provided through the new centre will be developed with the service provider, when they are appointed.
The main centre will be at Capalaba State College although three smaller satellite services will be set up across Redlands.
“The Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.5 million to establish a new Redlands early years service,” he said. “This includes $2.2 million in capital funding to upgrade existing facilities at Capalaba State College.
“Additional one-off funding of $300,000 has also been committed to help the successful provider set up the new service.
“Operational funding of $112,000 per year will also be made available to ensure a viable and continuing service can be provided.
“Applications to establish and provide the Redlands integrated early years service open today and close on Monday 15 May and I strongly encourage interested organisations to apply.”
Mr Brown said extensive consultation had been carried out in relation to the service.
“(It) will feature a hub at Capalaba State College which will provide services and coordinate delivery with existing services,” he said. “A number of satellite services will also be available at key locations across the Redlands area.
“This model is tailored to suit the local community and will allow flexibility in service delivery in an area of diverse geography and population, while providing coordination and a common identity.”
Education Minister Kate Jones said the Government was committed to increasing the number of integrated early years services across Queensland.
“New services are already operational in Gordonvale, Lockhart River, Blackall, Barcaldine and Inala and the Tara service is currently being established,” she said.
“The new Redlands early years service will provide a range of services for the local community such as parenting programs, family support, playgroups, early childhood education and care and child and maternal health services.”
More details are at www.deta.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/service/grants/index.html
