Early childhood key worker
The key worker model is widely acknowledged as a best practice approach in early childhood intervention, helping children achieve the best possible start in life.
What is an early childhood key worker?
Early childhood key workers are a central point of contact for families. They coordinate and deliver early intervention supports for children, aged from birth to 9 years, with developmental delays, developmental concerns or diagnosed disabilities.
About KU’s key workers
KU’s early childhood key workers are highly experienced and skilled early childhood teachers who hold a university degree in Early Childhood and specialised postgraduate training and certification.
They work as a part of, and draw on the knowledge, skills and experience of, the KU Allied Health team of speech therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists to ensure they provide personalised support for children.
Working together
KU’s early childhood key workers collaborate with families to address a variety of developmental needs and concerns, helping them identify goals and create a plan to best support their child. Through play, they deliver developmentally appropriate learning experiences in a variety of settings that best meet the needs of the child and family.
Families are supported to:
- understand their child’s individual developmental needs
- identify goals and priorities to support their child to reach their full potential
- increase their confidence and capacity to implement early intervention strategies into everyday routines and activities to support their child
- transition their child to mainstream educational settings – this may include supporting their child’s access and participation in early childhood education and care programs
- access early childhood intervention supports under the NDIS Early Childhood Approach (as required)
- help make connections with other local support services
- create partnerships with early childhood professionals to form a team around their child
Accessing support
We recognise the importance of providing children with support where they need it most. Support can be provided from:
- KU’s child friendly clinics located on the grounds of several KU venues in NSW and Victoria;
- within the early childhood education and care service or school your child attends;
- at your home; or
- at an agreed location within the local community.
KU is a registered provider of services under the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offering both NDIS-funded and fee-for-service options. A referral is not required.
Locations
New South Wales
Cobbitty
On the grounds of KU Cobbitty Preschool
Address: 296 Cobbitty Rd, Cobbitty NSW 2570
Days: Wednesday, Thursday
Phone: 02 4620 0091
Macarthur – Camden area
KU Starting Points Macarthur
Address: 14 Waterhouse Rd, Airds NSW 2560
Days: Thursday
Phone: 02 4620 0091
Penrith
KU Penrith Regional Office
Address: 69 Derby St, Penrith NSW 2750
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Phone: 0428 380 031
Victoria
Wyndham City Council area
On the grounds of KU Birnbial Kindergarten
Address: Birnbial Family Centre, 84 Holyoake Pde, Manor Lakes VIC 3024
Days: Wednesday to Friday
Phone: 0411 317 419
On the grounds of KU Maidstone Children’s Centre
Address: 7-9 Hampstead Rd Maidstone VIC 3012
Days: Wednesday to Friday
Phone: 0411 317 419
