KU Annual Report 2014 | Page 8

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 5