Our Program and Approach

At our centre childhood is celebrated. When they play and explore, children's imagination and curiosity is sparked - they enjoy learning, and are inspired to continue learning more.

Our child-centred, play-based program includes a wide range of intentional learning experiences and reflects best practice, drawn from knowledge of early childhood educational philosophies including Montesorri, Reggio Emilia, Circle of Security and Marte Meo.

We aim to develop the potential of each individual child through the practice of relationships in a range of learning areas, equipping each child with ‘skills for life’.

We believe that each child is a unique individual, developing in their own way and in their own time. Our role as educators is to provide an inclusive, nurturing and supportive environment where each child comfortably belongs, and to encourage experiences that enhance each child’s journey towards becoming their own selves.

Our Special Interest

In addition to the high quality well-rounded programs we offer, all KU centres are also encouraged to develop an area of interest.

At KU Milperra, our special interest is building healthy minds.

We incorporate this into our program through activities such as conversations, stories and discussions, role play and modelling, relaxation and mindfulness experiences and group work.

We feel that the children benefit from this interest because we know how important it is for children to feel safe, have a sense of belonging, build strong connections with others, develop social and play skills and learn to manage challenges and difficulties they may face. By supporting children to develop skills that will build positive mental health and life skills such as resilience, mindfulness and coping strategies and techniques, children are building a toolkit of skills they can use throughout life.

Our Quality

Our centre has been independently assessed by the Department of Education NSW under the National Quality Standards, and are proud to be rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard.

However what matters most is what our families think...

"KU Milperra Preschool has given my three kids the best possible start to their early education and we could not have asked for more dedicated and caring staff. As a parent, I have always felt valued and well informed about my children’s experiences at preschool. The communication tools used by KU staff via email or StoryPark are outstanding. The KU Milperra team provide a caring and supportive environment that has supported and encouraged my children to explore and learn. Chloe, Olivia and Jacob have enjoyed the engaging play based programs that cater for their individual interests and have helped them develop independence, confidence, social skills and most importantly a love of learning. The KU Milperra team have guided and nurtured my children ensuring that they will be ready for school and equipped to handle any challenges along the way. As a Kindergarten teacher, I understand the importance of quality early education and the difference it can make when children start school – I can highly recommend KU Milperra and the quality early learning program they provide." - KU Milperra parent

"I will be forever thankful for being referred to KU Milperra. I had both of my daughters attend the service last year and my youngest is currently enjoying her second year there. I love how happy she is about her day, always full of stories on what she has learned. I am so amazed at the progress my daughter is making and love the different areas within the service to explore and engage with. The sandpit and balance equipment in the outdoor play area is something my daughter is always talking about and I just love the amount of space the children have both inside and out. All the staff are just incredible, they are warm, caring, funny and engaging with all the children. To Stacey and your team, thank you so much for a fabulous preschool. You all do an incredible job." - KU Milperra parent

Our Environment

Each KU centre is unique. The best outcomes for children are created within relationships and interactions between children and staff, and children and their families, not within four walls. We work hard to create beautiful, interesting, homelike learning environments for children - whatever our setting.

At KU Milperra, we offer a nurturing, home-like environment where children feel supported and safe. We recognise and respect the uniqueness of each child and their family, valuing diversity and inclusion, in partnership with families.

Our playground is designed to maximise the use of the natural environment and allow children to play and explore as they would in their own backyard. We offer stimulating activities that arouse children’s curiosity and encourage them to choose from a variety of planned experiences, expanding their learning potential. Our playground includes natural elements such as sand, water, grass, mud, leaves and twigs, and we also offer gross motor experiences such as climbing, jumping and physical play. We foster the holistic development of each child so they feel inspired to create, imagine and play.

Our Awards

The Annual KU Difference Awards were introduced a number of years ago, as a way of acknowledging KU staff who have made a significant contribution to KU. These annual awards are open to all KU staff, at any level (either individual staff or a team), who have worked above and beyond their normal duties.

In 2017, Stacey Gabrych from KU Milperra Preschool was awarded the Making “the KU Difference” Award for Families.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan

Name: KU Children's Services
Price range: $

KU was proud to launch its inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2016. At KU Milperra, we began our journey to develop our centre’s RAP in 2018 and we are proud to launch it now. Please view it here.

Other Features

Child Care Subsidy

Hat and Sunscreen

Transition to School

Public Transport

Play-based Learning

Outdoor Play

Storypark

Award

Stacey Gabrych

Director

Stacey is a university qualified early childhood teacher with over 27 years’ experience working with children and babies. She has been working at KU Milperra since 2012. Stacey has a strong commitment to providing all children with high quality education and care. She works with families as partners in their development of the education and care of their children, providing play-based learning programs that stimulate, educate and involve all children.

Stacey and the teachers at KU Milperra all hold University qualifications, with other team members having completed a minimum Certificate III in Children’s Services. Each member of the team demonstrates a high level of commitment and dedication in their role as educators.

The team has extensive experience, with members having over 75 years’ experience between them in educating pre-schoolers.

The daily fees for 2023 at KU Milperra Preschool are:

Toddlers: $111.00
Preschoolers: $111.00

This is the full daily fee. If you are entitled to Child Care Subsidy, this will reduce the daily fee you are charged.

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, KU has remained very proudly a not-for-profit provider of quality education for more than 125 years. Like all early childhood education providers, our costs continue to be subject to market factors such as CPI, salary costs, Government funding and the requirements of the National Quality Framework.

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.

About Child Care Subsidy

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.

If you do not already have one, you will need a MyGov account linked to Centrelink to claim any subsidy you may be eligible for, and to find out more information, please contact Centrelink on 136 150 or visit www.education.gov.au.

NSW Start Strong Fee Relief

From 2023, the NSW government has provided additional fee relief funding, based on $2,110 per eligible 4 year old child attending a preschool 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 Start Strong fee relief will not impact CCS entitlements.

Start Strong fee relief funding is for children who are 4 years old on or before 31 July 2023, and can only be accessed in one service. This could either be in a community preschool or long day care service. If you have a child who may be eligible, please discuss this with your service Director.

The NSW Department of Education requires parents to sign the ‘Fee Relief Declaration and Consent’ form at the time of enrolment. Your eligibility for Start Strong fee relief Funding is conditional upon signing this form.