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