Established in 1895, KU Children’s Services (KU) was the first provider of early childhood education in Australia and has operated continuously for 125 years. Today, KU is one of Australia’s largest not for profit providers of early childhood education.

KU operates a portfolio of around 140 early education services and programs, to enable access for children from birth to five years to high quality early childhood education. These services include preschool, long day care, outside school hours care, family programs, early intervention and specialist programs designed to promote and facilitate the inclusion of children with additional needs, including vulnerable children and children with disabilities.

All KU centres have been independently assessed as amongst the highest quality in the country, with 100% of centres meeting or exceeding the National Quality Standards.

KU provides specialist advice to the corporate, community and government sectors, drawing on its expertise in the delivery of high quality educational programs.

With more than 25 years’ experience in work-based and employer-sponsored childcare, KU offers a range of management models for those looking to partner with an operator to deliver quality services; either in the corporate or community spaces.

In 2019, KU invested over $1.8million in a wide range of social impact activities including providing specialist services to families and children with additional needs; enabling children experiencing significant social disadvantage to access high quality early childhood education; and piloting ‘Healthy Start’, a program for vulnerable children that explores nutrition and health eating options. KU continues to explore new ways to expand its reach and impact in this area.

KU’s Family Programs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Education Support teams support over 1,500 children with additional needs each year. Additionally, the Adult Migrant English Program welcomed 1,138 families with 1,653 children from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds. KU has also commenced operating supported playgroups for migrant families in regional areas to support successful settlement.

The KU Marcia Burgess Foundation attracts funds to expand KU social impact programs for its most vulnerable children and families. Aligned to the KU 125 years anniversary themes, donations to the KU Marcia Burgess Foundation over the next three years will enable KU to work with local communities on initiatives and programs to provide greater access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and young people to early childhood education.

KU is an equal opportunity employer. KU’s staff are its greatest assets and its positive workplace culture fosters innovation, recognises performance and offers development opportunities, ensuring they attract, retain and invest in the best people.