Intro • Philosophy • Management • Koorana Staff • Funding
Koorana
Child and Family Centre Inc. is a not for profit, community
owned, multi purpose and multi site centre with a focus on the provision
of Early Childhood Education, Intervention and Family Support to the local
community. It is based in the Sydney suburbs of Lakemba and Roselands.
Families with all kinds of needs and from many different cultures use
Koorana’s services. We aim to ensure that services are respectful
of these cultures and relevant to the needs of individual families and
children. All services are based on the philosophy of inclusion.
A family centred approach aims to ensure that services are delivered holistically.
We assist families to make fully informed decisions about their child’s
care and education. A Family Worker can respond
to the broader needs experienced by many families.
Based in one of Sydney’s most culturally diverse communities, Koorana’s
two preschools reflect this community
in all aspects of the curriculum. Children’s home languages are valued.
Books and play materials are selected to reflect diverse languages and
cultures.
It is Koorana’s policy to include children with additional needs,
such as a disability or challenging behaviour, in its preschools. Trained
teachers and therapists are employed to support the Preschool staff in
their work with these children and their families.
Koorana also provides a range of early intervention and family support
services beyond the preschool. A home-based
service employs special educators and speech pathologists who work
with families in their own homes. Supported
Playgroups are held daily throughout the Canterbury and Bankstown
municipalities: these playgroups are staffed by early childhood educators
and family workers, and priority of access is given to families who are
experiencing stress due to isolation, economic hardship, the disability
of a child and other factors. Koorana also has a Service
Coordination team which supports families throughout Sydney’s
Inner West who have a child with a disability or challenging behaviour.
Koorana is funded by the NSW Department of Aging, Disability and Home
Care, the NSW Department of Community Services, the NSW Government’s
‘Families First’ Initiative and the Intervention Support Program
administered by the NSW Department of Education and Training. We are supported
by Canterbury Council in the use of the Croydon Street premises. Koorana
is run by a volunteer Management Committee, made up of parents who use
the service and interested members of the local community.
Philosophy
At Koorana, we believe that the learning experiences children encounter
at preschool, playgroups and school extend the learning and development
that happens at home. We respect and value the role that families play
in children’s early learning.
We acknowledge that in the complex task of parenting, many can benefit,
at times, from additional support that encompasses not just the child
but the whole family. This support is most effective when it is relevant
the concerns and priorities that are determined by the family themselves,
and when it empowers families with skills and information.
We believe that all children have the right to be part of early learning
programs, regardless of factors which often act as barriers, such as restricted
family income, social isolation and disability. Individuality and diversity
are valued at Koorana. We identify each child’s strengths, as well
as needs, and aim to foster positive self esteem and confidence.
Management
As a community based organisation, Koorana has a Management Committee
which comprises family and community representatives. The General Manger
reports to this Management Committee, as well as to the funding bodies
which support each project. A Service Manager supports the day to day
operations of the organisation.
Each project has a team leader, meaning that many staff members have opportunity
to develop their leadership and management skills.
Families participating in the service become members of Koorana, and are
entitled to vote at Annual General Meetings and to stand for the Management
Committee. There are many informal and formal opportunities for families
to provide input into service evaluation.
Koorana’s Policies and Procedures reflect the relevant legislation,
as well as the principles of family centred service and inclusion.
Koorana Staff
Koorana employs early childhood educators, special educators and therapists,
many of whom have extensive experience and all of whom share a commitment
to their work with children and families. The staff work together across
all services to achieve common goals, by:
•
Accepting that each individual, whether child, family member or fellow
staff member,
•
has something unique to offer.
•
Offering personal and professional support to each other.
•
Sharing information, skills and resources.
•
Demonstrating commitment to Koorana’s philosophy.
•
Demonstrating an awareness of professional and personal ethics, and being
accountable.
Positions Vacant
Funding
Koorana is a community owned organisation. Aside from preschool fees we
receive funds from:
•
The NSW Department of Community Services (DOCS). DOCS funds us through
•
Children’s Services funding and through the
•
Supporting Children with Additional Needs program (SCAN).
•
Families First, a NSW government initiative administered by DOCS.
•
The NSW Department of Education and training Intervention Support Program.
•
The Department of Ageing and Disability and Home Care.
A condition of funding is to ensure equitable access for all children.
Koorana’s policies support the participation of families who have
a low income, families from language backgrounds other than English, Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander families and families of children who have
additional needs.
