The new direction in rearing children was towards active play and planned nutrition within a light, clean and airy environment, a very different approach to the structures of a Victorian-era childhood.

[1] The Crèche and Kindergarten Association of Queensland was formed in 1907 as a function of the Institute of Social Services in Fortitude Valley.

The earliest childcare building in Brisbane, probably in Queensland, was Paddington Kindergarten, which was built in Charlotte Street in 1916 and included a crèche from 1917.

This was a Labor government initiative as fostering a healthy population and boosting the birthrate was thought to be essential to the development of the state.

The Golden Casket lottery was introduced in 1916, initially to assist the Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Fund and Anzac Cottages Scheme.

In 1920, the operation of the lottery was taken over by the Queensland Government and the main recipient of proceeds became the Motherhood, Child Welfare and Hospital Fund.

[3] The Crèche and Kindergarten Association had leased various premises in the 1920s and in 1933; a Mother's Club was formed to raise funds for a permanent building.

The association approached Ned Hanlon, the Home Secretary and husband of the Rosalie committee chairwoman, who promised assistance.

Ned Hanlon, Minister for Health and Home Affairs, opened the new facility on 23 November 1935 as 'The Little Citizen's Free Kindergarten'.

[1] The Kindergarten is still operating as a childcare facility and the suitability of its design for this purpose is demonstrated by the very minor nature of modifications made to the fabric since its inception.

It is constructed of hardwood weatherboards slightly bellcast over the supporting brick piers and has a central two-storey section flanked by single storey pavilions.

[1] Rosalie Community Kindergarten and Preschool was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 27 September 2002 having satisfied the following criteria.

The Rosalie Community Kindergarten and Preschool is important in illustrating the growth of the Infant Welfare movement and changing attitudes to health, education and child care in Queensland during the early 20th century.

The size and quality of the building demonstrates the commitment of the Labor government of the period to initiatives promoting maternal and child welfare as part of the development of the state.

The suitability of its design for this purpose is demonstrated by the minor nature of modifications made to the fabric since its inception, resulting in a high degree of intactness.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.

The Rosalie Community Kindergarten and Preschool is an important example of the work of architect Arnold E Brooks who was considered to be an innovative designer of child and aged care facilities.