Access funding for Play Active
Access funding for Play Active
Many early childhood education and care services can access government funding to support evidence-based programs, professional learning, resources, and quality improvement initiatives like Play Active. Play Active is a low-cost two- year ($200) program which focusses on improving outcomes through a whole service approach.
Why funding bodies support active play initiatives
Physical activity and movement skill development directly contribute to children's:
- Physical health and mental wellbeing
- Social competence and socio-emotional development
- Confidence and resilience
- Learning and cognitive development
- School readiness
- Inclusion and participation
These outcomes align closely with the priorities of programs such as Kindy Uplift and Preschool Boost, which are designed to improve developmental outcomes and reduce developmental vulnerability.
South Australia: Preschool Boost funding
Visit the Preschool Boost Flying Start provider menu
Play Active is available on the South Australian Preschool Boost Menu as an evidence-informed educator training program.
Preschool Boost funding can be used by eligible Flying Start partner services to purchase approved programs and supports that improve outcomes for children and address developmental vulnerability. Reach out to the Play Active team to request a quote or invoice: play.active@thekids.org.au
Queensland: Kindy Uplift funding
Queensland long day care services participating in the Kindy Uplift programcan use funding to support initiatives aligned with physicality, inclusion, wellbeing and educator capability. Play Active supports active play, movement skill development, physical literacy and quality improvement initiatives.
Specifically, Play Active:
- Builds educator knowledge and confidence through professional development
- Enhances children's physical activity, movement skills and physical literacy
- Specifically Play Active:lay environments for all children
- Strengthens service policies and practices aligned with the EYLF and National Quality Standards
- Supports children's health, wellbeing, learning and development through active play opportunities every day
The Queensland Department of Education advises that Kindy Uplift funding can be used for professional development, programs, resources and supports that improve children's outcomes and educator capability. We have strong links to the Queensland Department of Education and Health and Wellbeing Queensland through our University of Queensland-based Play Active team.
How to use Kindy Uplift funding for Play Active
- Review your service's Quality Improvement Plan and children's learning and development needs.
- Identify physical activity, movement skill development, inclusion or wellbeing as a focus area.
- Include Play Active in your Kindy Uplift planning and budget.
- Contact the Play Active team for a quote or invoice, if required.
Not eligible for funding?
We understand that some services face financial constraints and may not be eligible for government funding programs. If your service is experiencing financial hardship, please contact the Play Active team to discuss available support options.
Frequently asked questions
Can all Australian long day care services access funding?
Funding eligibility varies by state and program. We recommend checking the eligibility requirements for your local funding program and contacting the Play Active team if you need assistance.
Can Play Active help with funding applications?
Yes. We can provide information on how Play Active supports physical activity, movement skill development, educator capability, inclusion and quality improvement initiatives, and provide invoices where requested.
What evidence can we use to justify Play Active?
Play Active is an evidence-based program developed by The Kids Research Institute Australia that supports services to provide more opportunities for active play, improve educator practices and create environments where all children can thrive. The program is endorsed by Australian Childhood Alliance WA and SA and has been co-developed with the sector over 11 years of research.
What other funding opportunities may exist?
Services may also explore Inclusion Agency supports, Primary Health Network grants, local government community grants, sport and recreation grants, quality improvement grants and philanthropic funding opportunities.
Get in touch with the Play Active team