KU Craigieburn goes beyond childcare. We create a safe and nurturing environment where childhood is celebrated.
We are proud of our strong reputation of providing rich education and care tailored to each child’s needs in a family-focussed and supportive way.
Our highly experienced and dedicated teachers and educators build strong, trusting relationships with each child, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence.
KU Craigieburn was a finalist at the prestigious HESTA ECEC Awards in 2023, where we were recognised as an ‘Outstanding Service’ for our dedication to embracing cultural diversity and understanding, fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging in children.
When children play and explore, their imagination and curiosity are sparked – they enjoy learning and are inspired to continue learning more.
Our play-based program intentionally provides a wide range of engaging opportunities and activities based on the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
We have a special interest in incorporating home languages and embracing cultural diversity in our program, enhancing children’s sense of belonging and identity and representing our true cultural context.
KU Craigieburn has been independently assessed by the NSW Department of Education, and are proud to be rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard.
We believe that the positive interactions children have with our staff are the most important component of our high quality program. Our team of teachers and educators are qualified, experienced, caring and motivated.
Our staff undergo continuous professional development, staying at the forefront of early childhood education.
Linda Meyer is the Acting Director at KU Craigieburn. Linda is a university qualified early childhood teacher who has worked with KU since 2007.
Linda believes that children are capable and competent learners who learn best through play where they can explore and learn in their own time. She believes every child should be included in their learning environment and supported in their learning journey.
Linda highly values building trusting relationships with children, families and staff, as this is key to advocating for children’s rights and supporting children to reach their full potential.
In 2023 Linda was awarded the Making the KU Difference for Staff Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to KU.
Age group | Amount |
---|---|
Infants | $152 |
Toddlers | $152 |
Preschoolers | $152 |
This is the full daily fee. However, if you are entitled to Child Care Subsidy, this will reduce the daily fee you are charged.
In addition, the Victorian Government provides Free Kinder funding for eligible 3 and 4 year old children attending a kindergarten program within a long day care service.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main payment to assist families with the costs of childcare. It is paid directly to the childcare provider and passed onto families as a fee reduction wherever families meet the criteria.
The level of subsidy you receive, as well as the number of hours you will be subsidised, depends on your individual family’s circumstances.
To claim any subsidy you may be eligible for, you will need a MyGov account linked to Centrelink. For more information, contact Centrelink on 136 150 or visit www.dese.gov.au.
Our Victorian long day care services offer an integrated kindergarten program funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Training. If you have a child aged 3 or 4 years, you may elect to use your kindergarten funding at our service.
From 2024, the Victorian Government is providing Free Kinder funding of $2,050 for a 15-hour program per eligible 3 and 4 year old child attending a kindergarten program within a long day care service.
This funding is applied as a weekly credit to the gap fee after CCS has been applied or to full fees where a family does not receive CCS. The Free Kinder payment does not impact CCS entitlements.
Free Kinder funding is for children who are 3 and 4 years old in the two years before attending formal schooling and can only be accessed in one service. This could either be in a sessional kindergarten or long day care service. If you have a child who may be eligible, please discuss this with your Service Director.
To be eligible for Free Kinder funding, the Victorian Department of Education and Training requires parents to sign the ‘Fee Relief Declaration and Consent’ form at the time of enrolment.
KU has remained very proudly a not-for-profit provider of quality education for more than 129 years. Our fees are designed to cover the operational costs of delivering the unique KU learning experience, and to ensure KU can continue delivering those experiences for many years to come.
Any surplus we may make is reinvested into our local staff, continually improving the quality of our services, and ensuring our long-term sustainability. KU does not distribute our profits to shareholders or send them offshore.
Highly respected for our high quality programs, KU's National Quality Standard Ratings far exceed the national average.
KU was established in 1895 and is the most experienced provider of early childhood education in Australia.
As an Employer of Choice for 9 years running and certified Great Place to Work, we attract the best and brightest staff who stay with KU for longer.
7-9 Hampstead Road
MAIDSTONE VIC 3012
11 Alfred Lane
MELBOURNE VIC 3004
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KU respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the many lands on which our services are delivered.
The contribution by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to the education of young children existed long before our story began.
Proudly a not for profit and for purpose organisation
© KU Children’s Services 2024
Proudly a not for profit and for purpose organisation
© KU Children’s Services 2024
The centre is purpose-built and architecturally designed or recently refurbished.
The service has a chef and provides a seasonal menu with freshly cooked food, including morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack.
The service has a dedicated team of experienced early childhood teachers and educators who work with you to support your child’s learning and wellbeing.
As part of the service’s duty of care in minimising exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) and promoting sun safe practices among children, families and staff, the service provides each child with a KU hat and sunscreen is administered by staff where possible 20 minutes before commencing outdoor play.
The service provides extended hours of care and operates a minimum of eight hours a day.
The service has embraced a commitment to a more sustainable early education community, embedding sustainability into pedagogy and practice. We welcome families' participation.
Parking for drop-off and pick-up is available.
The service provides a seasonal menu including lunch.
The service provides a natural outdoor environment designed as an active place for learning. We encourage children to develop an understanding about sustainability by exploring the natural world around them.
All nappies are supplied by the service and included in the fee.
Our high-quality play-based programs are based on current research and are planned by experienced and qualified early childhood staff. Through play, children learn the skills, knowledge, feelings and dispositions that provide a solid foundation for their life-long learning.
The service provides a secure, private online communication portal called Storypark at no cost that is designed to document your child’s progress and learning and provide you with updates about your child.
The service offers a full preschool program and places a strong emphasis on programs that challenge and extend children’s abilities and confidence, aiding their transition to school.
The service has been recognised and awarded as an outstanding service provider.
This KU service has university qualified teachers with early education and care qualifications.
The service is an approved service for CCS, therefore fees may vary depending on individual circumstances.