Dear Brisbane City Council Officials,

We, the undersigned parents and guardians of children enrolled in the preschool program, together with members of the Brisbane community, write to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding its recent cancellation.

This decision has been particularly challenging for our families, not only because of the loss itself, but also due to the lack of clear and timely communication. Not all families received prior notice or a sufficient explanation via email or other channels. As a result, parents have been left confused, unprepared, and struggling to make last-minute arrangements for their children’s care and education.

The preschool program has long been an essential part of our community. Its affordability ensures access to early childhood education for families from diverse backgrounds, while the quality of care provided by its teachers has been exceptional. The staff have consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and genuine compassion, fostering a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for our children.

The abrupt closure places a significant burden on families - financially, emotionally, and logistically. It also disrupts the consistency and stability that are critical during early childhood development, potentially affecting children’s growth and readiness for future schooling.

Many of us have witnessed the long-term benefits of this program firsthand. For example, older children who attended the Brisbane preschool program are now thriving in elementary school. We strongly believe that their early educational experiences played a vital role in their success. Without this program, younger children in our community will lose access to the same foundational opportunity.

We respectfully urge you to reconsider this decision, taking into account the needs of families and children. At a minimum, we request transparent communication and a meaningful opportunity for community input before any final actions are taken.

This letter serves as a collective petition from families who depend on and deeply value this program. We stand united in asking for a thoughtful reassessment and a path forward that supports the well-being of our children and the strength of our community.

We appeal to the Brisbane City Council to kindly reconsider the Park and Rec's decision to dissolve the preschool program starting Fall 2026.

Experts agree that early childhood education is critical for cognitive, social, and emotional development. According to research from UNICEF, children who participate in quality preschool programs tend to perform better throughout their education journey, showcasing higher rates of graduation and better academic achievements. For our children and for the future of our community, we must prioritize their education in these formative years.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned Parents, Guardians, and Community Members 

(Please join us in urging the Brisbane City Council to reinstate the preschool program, ensuring that every child in our community receives the foundational education they deserve. Please sign this petition to support our cause and help us advocate for the future of our children and our community.)