Making the KU Difference
For families
Larraine Brown & Bernadette Mitchell
Coordinators, KU Starting Points
In 2010 the award for Making the KU Difference for
Families was awarded to two worthy recipients who lead
KU’s two Starting Points programs. KU Starting Points offers
early intervention and support to families who have young
children with disabilities or high support needs. The program
includes play sessions for children, support groups for families
and home visiting programs. Speech pathologists and
psycholo gists provide additional specialist support for families
in partnership with the teaching staff and other agencies.
families in advocating for their children. Her work is often
publicly recognised by local dignitaries and politicians.
Bernadette Mitchell has been the Coordinator of KU
Starting Points Penrith since it began in 2003. Bernadette
embodies the spirit of the KU Difference as her work in
Western Sydney has a positive impact on the lives of children
with additional needs and their families.
Bernadette describes her program as a great “starting point”
for enhancing children’s development and supporting families.
Although her program operates from a shared community
hall, Bernadette has created a play-based program which
offers a wide range of learning experiences, specifically
designed to encourage development in all areas, including
movement and muscle control, communication, thinking
and understanding, social skills and awareness.
Bernadette displays exceptional commitment and has
supported families in making connections with professionals
in the area, to assist them in achieving successful outcomes
for their children.
Larraine Brown has been the Coordinator of KU Starting
Points Macarthur for many years and is held in high esteem
by families and other early childhood professionals.
With a strong and unfailing dedication to children with high
support needs, and their families, in the Macarthur area,
Larraine provides support to families right from the time
a child is diagnosed with a disability and is referred to the
program, often at birth. Local pediatricians say the most
valuable resource they can give a family in this situation is
Larraine’s mobile phone number.
In her nomination, Larraine was recognised for her efforts
‘over and above’ her role, often visiting children in hospital
when they are unwell and comforting families.
She works hard in supporting the very successful fundraising
events the families organise for the service and supports the
Thumbs up from KU families
• 98.4% of parents would use or recommend
a KU service
• 4 out of 5 parents were highly satisfied
with the:
• Educational program
• Communication about their child’s day and
development
• Centre staff’s helpfulness and professionalism
• Management of the centre
“The teachers’ commitment to each individual
child and their specific development is amazing.
They really care about the children and their
family, and do their best to help each child
reach their full potential.”
Extract from 2010 KU Parent Exit Questionnaire
115th Annual Report 2010
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