Parenting in Queensland
School starting age, preschool, child health checks and term dates for families in Queensland.
- First year of school
- Prep
- Turn 5 by
- 30 June
- Child health record
- Red Book
Starting school
In Queensland, children who turn 5 by 30 June can usually start Prep that year. Families of children born close to the cut-off can often choose to start a year later.
The year before school
Free kindy for 15 hours a week at approved kindergarten programs in the year before Prep. Check current details with the education department.
Child health checks
Your baby’s Personal Health Record (the Red Book) records growth, checks and immunisations. Child health nurses provide free checks from birth to school age.
Car seats
Child restraint laws are consistent across Australia: rearward facing under 6 months, a harnessed seat to 4 years, and a harnessed seat or booster from 4 to 7 years.
Payments
Parental Leave Pay, Child Care Subsidy and Family Tax Benefit are national and managed by Services Australia.
School term dates · Education department
Common questions
What age do children start school in QLD?
Children who turn 5 by 30 June can usually start Prep that year.
What is the child health record called in QLD?
It is the Personal Health Record (the Red Book), given to you after your baby is born.