KU Annual Report 2011 | Page 13

Making the KU Difference by representing KU Jacklyn Staudinger Teacher, KU Macarthur Learning Together and KU Macquarie Fields Preschool Jackie’s smiling face has become a beacon for children and families at the two KU services she works in, KU Macarthur Learning Together and KU Macquarie Fields Preschool. She has extensive networking skills, developed over many years of working in the local area, and spends a lot of her personal time attending community events. Jackie embodies the KU Difference by fostering strong relationships with families, spreading the values of KU Macarthur Learning Together and KU Macquarie Fields into the wider community and incorporating the diversity of the local community back into our services. Jackie is a wonderful representative of KU in the communities she works in, and goes that extra mile for the best interests of children and families. KU stands for quality early childhood education, and Jackie demonstrates this in a practical way through her interactions and work within the two services as well as externally. Working with a number of families from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds can be challenging, however Jackie develops relationships and networks to support families, providing them with the links to overcome the challenges and issues they deal with on a daily basis. Jackie supports families to deal with some of the most difficult situations in a positive and functional manner. She is always professional, treats others with respect and makes them feel comfortable. The best interests of the children and families are at the core of her actions and she inspires other staff to do the same. Advocacy and Representation KU is a trusted and respected adviser on early childhood education, particularly issues surrounding quality, inclusion and affordability. During 2011 KU’s advocacy and representation included: • Aboriginal Education Committee Sydney Archdiocese Catholic Education • Australian Community Children’s Services, NSW Branch • Banyule Cluster Management Group Forum (Victoria) • Bethany Early Intervention Program, Advisory Committee • DEEWR o Early Childhood Development Working Group - Stakeholder Reference Group o National IPSP Forum o National ISA Alliance o National Stakeholders’ Reference Group o NSW/ACT IPSP Forum • Early Childhood Australia (National Board) • Early Childhood Australia (NSW Branch) • Early Childhood Intervention Australia (NSW Chapter) • Early Childhood Intervention Coordination Program • Forum of Learning & Development in Child Protection • Forum of Non Government Associations (FONGA) • NCOSS • NSW State Government (Dept Human Services and then Dept Education and Communities) o Children’s Services Universal Access Round Table o National Quality Framework NSW Reference Group o NSW Preschool Growth Program Reference Group • NSW Department of Education & Communities Early Childhood Reference Group o NSW FaHCSIA NGO Engagement Forum • NSW Early Childhood Environmental Education Network • NSW Early Childhood Professional Experience Council • NSW NIFTeY • NSW Ombudsman Investigative Forum • NSW Ombudsman Children’s Services Forum • TAFE NSW Children’s Services Industry Reference Group 116th Annual Report 2011 13