STRATEGIC PLAN DELIVERY
Innovative
responses
to autism
In 2013 KU launched our new strategic
plan. Building on the KU Difference includes
seven objectives focusing on supporting
KU’s quality, staff and sustainability over
three years. As we look to the future, perhaps
one of the most exciting objectives is our
remit to “develop and operate innovative
services models”.
Over the past few years, KU has been taking
this approach as we evolve the programs
we have in place specifically for young
children on the autism spectrum.
KU Marcia Burgess Autism Specific Early
Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC) is an early
intervention education and care centre
which delivers both family focused child
care and a specific intervention program for
children with autism, using the Early Start
Denver Model (ESDM).
Passives
14.4 %
Originally
this
intervention
model
was designed for one-on-one therapy
intervention and had never been
implemented in a group or play based
early childhood setting. KU became a world
leader when we implemented the model
within an autism specific long day care
service, combining the Early Years Learning
Framework with best practice approach to
intervention. And again when we fostered
one of the few specialised trainers in
Australia in house.
As word has spread about the results being
achieved through ESDM, waiting lists have
grown and we have been unable to meet
the demand through the one service.
PARENT SATISFACTION
Innovative thinking and practical experience
enabled KU to evolve the way ESDM-based
intervention could be delivered, through a
clinical, rather than centre based approach.
The skills and expertise of the KU Marcia
Burgess staff were initially harnessed;
however a therapist training program has
recently been established to build this
staff pool. In 2014 two outreach services
(clinics) catering for 6 children per day
over a 10 week program were established.
Over a year, the clinics have the potential
to support over a hundred additional
children that would otherwise be unable to
access ESDM. This will also see the program
accessible through the National Disability
Insurance Scheme.
The clinic program is now being expanded to
offer a parents’ program, assisting families
dealing with autism to engage with their
children using a consistent approach at home.
KU Marcia Burgess ASELCC will continue to
provide ESDM intervention, and will now
become a training hub for a new generation
of highly skilled and specialised educators
working with children with Autism Spectrum
Disorders and supporting outreach services to
many more children in the wider community.
Read more about KU’s strategic plan
Building on the KU Difference at ku.com.au.
KU’s 2014 Net Promoter Score: +71.3
Building the KU Difference also sees us
striving to deliver the best positive outcomes
for children and families. Here’s how
families rated our performance in 2014.
MAKING THE
KU DIFFERENCE
Individual excellence and joint endeavour
are the basis for KU’s approach to quality.
In 2014 we recognised: Ann Cramer (KU Westmead Preschool)
for making the KU Difference through
sustainability
KU Marcia Burgess Autism Specific
Early Learning and Care Centre
for making the KU Difference for children KU Killara Park Preschool Staff
for making the KU Difference through
innovation
Tina Murray, ECE
(KU Corrimal East Preschool)
for making the KU Difference for families Margaret Smith (KU Inclusion Support
Agency Program Manager)
for making the KU Difference by
representing KU
KU Hebersham Preschool Staff
for making the KU Difference for communities
Detractors
7.3
Elisabeth Fitzgerald
(StarCare Coordinator)
for making the KU Difference for staff
%
Promoters
Liz Lees and Dilys Nicholson
(KU Central Office)
through the KU Marcia Burgess Award
Read their stories at ku.com.au or:
Sara Jordan, Director
(KU Ultimo Children’s Centre)
for making the KU Difference for quality
78.3 %
119th Annual Report 2014
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