The Queensland Government claims early childhood education is a big priority - leading school authorities across the state to ask why $100 million less was spent on pre-schools and kindergartens than had been budgeted.

A recent estimates hearing on the results of the 2012/2013 budget has heard from QLD Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk, who said the state had set aside $332 million, but only spent $234 million.

State Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said he could explain about a third of the shortfall, claiming capital works had been delayed or were cheaper than planned, accounting for about $37 million in savings.

Langbroek said there had been no significant cuts to funding to approved services, other than the scrapping of the Positive Parenting Program, designed to help prevent behavioural and developmental problems in children.

The Minister did not hold back in reinforcing the State’s pledge to help out its youngest citizens: “We are absolutely committed to the early years,” he said.