Making the KU Difference
For staff
Jane Pethers
Director, KU Killarney Heights Preschool
KU believes an effective professional development
program ensures staff maintain and enhance their
skills and knowledge, and is a key component in the
delivery of high quality early childhood education
and care.
Whilst KU provides an extensive schedule of workshops
and development opportunities for our staff, we were
delighted to receive several nominations for Jane
Pethers from her peers, who have identified her as an
outstanding leader and professional mentor.
Jane aims for the highest quality in her educational
program and willingly shares her knowledge and skills
with others. She has an eye for detail and a particular
skill for creating learning environments which nurture
children’s exploration, relationships and problem solving
skills. Staff who visit KU Killarney Heights are encouraged
to glean ideas to take back to their own centres.
An inspiration to the staff she works with directly, Jane
is also a valuable resource for staff in her region. At
regional meetings, she inspires staff through sharing
her vast experience, knowledge and enthusiasm.
Jane’s behaviour models professional development
through her willingness to embrace new ideas that
reflect current research and curriculum thinking.
Jane epitomises pedagogical leadership, and is
making the KU Difference for staff on a daily basis.
Professional Development
As part of our Strategic Plan, KU aims to support staff
in delivering services that make the KU Difference. We
do this by providing an extensive professional
development program, which is offered to both staff
and families free of charge. During 2010 KU’s
Professional Development Program included:
• 156 professional development sessions : 3350
participants
• 103 workshops : 1779 participants
• 38 Regional meetings and professional
development days : 1334 participants
KU’s 2010 Annual Seminar attracted the largest ever
audience of 615 early childhood professionals from both
within KU and the wider early childhood sector.
An employer of choice
100
Staff turnover
80
60
40
20
19.2%
15.3%
10.65%
0
2008
2009
2010
In a sector where staff
turnover is traditionally
high, KU is proud that
our staff are choosing
to stay with us.
Over the past 3 years
staff turnover has
continued to decline,
providing consistent,
long term relationships
for children and families.
115th Annual Report 2010
9