KU to develop Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre in Liverpool
22 July 2009
KU has welcomed news that it has been chosen by the Federal Government to deliver one of Australia’s new Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres (ASELCC).
The KU Marcia Burgess Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre will be the only ASELCC in NSW and will be located in Memorial Ave Liverpool, on the same site as the longstanding KU Liverpool Preschool.
Local mother, Felicity Matthews, has praised the new centre, saying “having a local centre where the staff understand the specific needs of children with Autism will be great for the children and their families. The earlier children can access support like this, the better!”
The centre will be a brand new, purpose built building and KU will work in partnership with Sydney South West Area Health, the University of NSW and The Benevolent Society to bring it to fruition.
The building of the new centre will also provide a unique opportunity for KU to improve its existing preschool service in Liverpool.
“We are very proud of the high quality education and care program that the staff at KU Liverpool Preschool already provide, however for many years we have felt that the building which currently houses the preschool has been letting us down. We are therefore taking this opportunity to invest $700,000 of KU funds to upgrade the existing KU Liverpool Preschool building. This truly is a project that will benefit the whole community and we look forward to working together with the other local services, Council and the families in the area,” said Chris Legg, KU General Manager, Early Childhood Education and Care.
KU already supports around 1000 children a year, who have developmental delays and disabilities including Autism and ASD like symptoms. The new project will allow KU to continue this support, while providing an additional service for children and families in the wider Liverpool area.