KU Macquarie Fields – An early education service of excellence

Last year in 2022, KU Macquarie Fields Preschool was awarded an Excellent rating, the highest rating a service can achieve under the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care.

KU Macquarie Fields’ Service Philosophy and Vision is guided by a commitment to reconciliation, wellbeing (children have a right to be heard and have a voice), community, social justice, empowerment, educators, curriculum, respect, innovation, and collaboration.

100 children attend the preschool every week, with many on the waiting list. The preschool includes a high proportion of children with neurodiverse needs, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children newly arrived in Australia, and children who have experienced trauma. Many families are identified as vulnerable and experiencing disadvantage.

Educators provide broad support for families, receive referrals from government agencies, engage with health and community services, and provide strategies and guidance for primary teachers particularly for children with neurodiverse needs and about to start school.

Jackie Staudinger, Director of KU Macquarie Fields Preschool told Alumni Connect:

“I see my role as creating a thriving community hub nourished by equity, inclusion, and quality early childhood education. As Director, I meet many families who are doing it extremely tough. In every situation, I always look for the positive to find solutions that empower people to have a voice and be a part of the community. Isolation is a massive issue, exacerbated by geographical locations, lack of public transport and community connections, language and cultural barriers, and access to health and social support services.

“Creating an inclusive safe space for families to be and belong helps to diminish the consequences of isolation and amplify positive outcomes for children. I organise opportunities for families to connect through organised gatherings, nutritional budget cooking sessions, our vegetable garden, and to share stories of their lived experiences.

“I have learned people care about each other once trust is developed, and that trust unlocks collaboration, sharing, support, hope, and safety. I feel more motivated than ever. There is so much potential to do great things in building an inclusive diverse community.”

“The meaningful connections I’ve developed with local Dharawal Elders and the Aboriginal community, is helping our Preschool to understand, respect and include learnings about their traditional culture and ways of life.

“For me all families deserve support without judgement, to feel welcomed and to give their children the best start in their early years. It takes the KU village to support a preschool community. With KU’s support, our teams inspire each other, seeing the best of each other and our strengths to grow and deliver the best for families in our community.”, says Jackie.

KU Macquarie Fields Preschool was recognised by The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority for demonstrating exemplary practice across three themes, including inclusive partnerships with children and families; collaborative partnerships with professional, community or research organisations; and practice and environments that enhance children’s learning and growth.

As a KU Centre of Influence, KU Macquarie Fields has demonstrated leadership in their community, impacting the lives and learnings of children and families. Their strong commitment to inclusion informs their pedagogy and aspirations to continue quality improvement for their own practice and as a model for the early education sector.

KU Macquarie Fields Preschool provides a safe and secure environment to nurture and develop each individual child’s sense of Belonging, Being and Becoming.

Congratulations KU Macquarie Fields Preschool for being a leader in early education.

Go back to main page