Making the KU Difference by representing KU
Kylie Anderson & Maryanne McKee
Directors, Treehouse and KU Union
KU Black Mountain is a long day care service which recently transitioned to become KU’ s first centre in the ACT. Transitioning to KU can be an exciting time for centres, however facing Accreditation in the absence of a permanent Director presented KU Black Mountain families and staff with an additional challenge.
Kylie Anderson and Maryanne McKee, both experienced KU Directors based in Sydney, agreed to relocate themselves to the ACT on a temporary basis to provide stability and security in a time of change and uncertainty.
Kylie and Maryanne were able to share their skills and experience to provide leadership and assist staff to improve the quality of the educational program. The support Kylie and Maryanne provided in implementing KU systems and practices was an integral part in ensuring KU Black Mountain was well placed to welcome a new permanent Director and achieve Accreditation.
Most importantly, during their time in Canberra, Kylie and Maryanne developed strong relationships with the children, families and the local community so that they felt part of the KU family and began to experience the KU Difference.
During this time, Kylie and Maryanne made a significant personal sacrifice by living away from their families, however one recent comment from a parent made it all worthwhile when they said“ Now we know what a KU centre is really like!”
Kylie and Maryanne have demonstrated themselves as exceptional ambassadors for KU in Canberra, and represent everything positive and professional about making the KU Difference.
Advocacy and Representation
KU is a trusted and respected adviser on early childhood education, particularly issues surrounding quality, inclusion and affordability. During 2010 KU’ s advocacy and representation included:
• Aboriginal Child, Youth & Family Northern Sydney Executive
• Aboriginal Education Committee Sydney Archdiocese Catholic Education
• Australian Community Children’ s Services( NSW)
• Bethany Early Intervention Program, Advisory Committee
• DEEWR o National IPSP Forum o National ISA Alliance o National Stakeholders’ Reference Group o NSW / ACT IPSP Forum
• Department of Human Services, Community Services o Children’ s Services Regulation Review Industry
Reference Group o Children’ s Services Universal Access Round Table:- Access Affordability and Hard to Reach Families- Early Childhood Teacher Cost Contribution Scheme- 15 hours Working Group o National Quality Framework Reference Group o NSW Preschool Growth Program Reference Group
• Early Childhood Australia( National)
• Early Childhood Australia( NSW)
• Early Childhood Intervention Australia( NSW)
• Early Childhood Intervention Coordination Program
• Forum of Learning & Development in Child Protection
• Forum of Non Government Associations
• NCOSS
• NSW Department of Education & Training Early Childhood Reference Group
• NSW Early Childhood Environmental Education Network
• NSW Early Childhood Professional Experience Council
• NSW NIFTeY
• NSW Ombudsman Investigative Forum
• NSW Ombudsman Children’ s Services Forum
• SCAN Area Reference Groups
• TAFE NSW Children’ s Services Industry Reference Group
• University of Western Sydney Course Advisory Committee
115th Annual Report 2010 13