Craigslea Community Kindergarten and Preschool, already under investigation for governance problems according to the BBC, closed last month when its funding was cut. But before shutting down, the center emailed parents with a request: buy your child’s portfolio for $2,200 or risk losing it.
“It’s ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. I don’t even really have words for it,” said Brooke, a parent who refused to pay. She later admitted she took the artwork back herself, and claimed the kindergarten reported her to the police. Queensland Police confirmed they are investigating a late-night break-in at the center, though they did not name anyone involved.
The backlash spread quickly, with state Premier David Crisafulli calling the demand “emotional blackmail” and “wrong on so many levels.” On national TV, he added: “Let’s give the kids their finger painting and let’s get on with life.”
The kindergarten had been run by a volunteer parent committee tied to the Creche and Kindergarten Association (C&K). But after internal disputes and a mass resignation of key officers, one member, Thomas D’Souza, was left running the show. His leadership prompted complaints from parents and eventually a suspension of funding.
Emails from management later told families the center was in voluntary administration, unable to pay wages or bills. Hours after that, the request to buy the pricey art portfolios hit inboxes.
Public outrage forced officials to step in. On Wednesday, C&K and the Department of Education said they recovered the children’s portfolios and would return them free of charge. “C&K recognises the importance of these portfolios and unequivocally condemns any practice that involves charging parents for their children’s portfolios,” a spokesperson told the BBC.
Finally, the kids’ artwork is back in their hands.
