Victoria’s first free kindergartens lay the groundwork for early childhood education initiatives. The Free Kinder Union (FKU) is formed in Richmond, advocating for quality preschool education and philanthropic welfare support. Notable figures like Mrs Alfred (Pattie) Deakin, serving as President, drive the vision forward with passion and dedication.
FKU establishes 22 free kindergartens, providing vital support during WWI and the Great Depression. Training courses for kinder teachers commence, ensuring quality education despite staffing and economic challenges. Isabel Hendersen and Marion Champlin lead the training course, equipping educators with essential skills and knowledge.
FKU extends training courses, establishes the Kindergarten Teachers College, and pioneers new methodologies in kindergarten education. Dorothy Bethune, Nora Semmens, and Mary Lush contribute to innovative teaching methods, shaping the future of early childhood education.
Six Kindergarten Unions form the Australian Association for Preschool Child Development, promoting collaboration. FKU adapts to wartime needs, offering training and support for evacuating and caring for children. Dr. Edith Barrett’s medical expertise ensures the health and well-being of children and families during challenging times.
The introduction of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services emphasises health and well-being. FKU opens Ware Warrawong, a holiday home in Ringwood East. Helen Paul’s appointment as Principal of Kindergarten Teaching College reflects shifting gender dynamics and progressive leadership within the organisation.
FKU affiliates 88 kindergartens, welcoming migrant families and introducing sessional kindergarten. The Kindergarten Teaching College Council gains autonomy, fostering growth and professional development within the sector.
FKU addresses the needs of non-English speaking children and opens kindergartens in marginalised communities. The Migrant Working Party, established by FKU, spearheads initiatives to support multicultural education and inclusion.
FKU advocates for equal opportunities and establishes the Multicultural Resource Centre (MRC) to support diverse communities. Dr. Priscilla Clarke OAM leads the MRC, promoting diversity and celebrating multiculturalism in early childhood education. Generous donations and financial support take the MRC mobile, expanding outreach to regional and isolated communities.
FKU becomes fka Children’s Services Inc. (fkaCS) and expands to support all early childhood education and care services alongside kindergartens. Expanding the Bilingual (Community Language Support) Worker pool enhances their ability to embed multicultural perspectives and build relational pedagogy.
fkaCS emphasises diversity and social cohesion by forming partnerships in bilingual and multicultural programs. Living their vision and purpose, fkaCS provides specialist services for newly arrived families affected by overseas conflict. In the absence of a national apology, fkaCS publishes a statement of apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (signed 1998).
Recognising their role in supporting reconciliation and self-determination, fkaCS partners with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI) and Koorie Early Childhood Field Officers to develop a series of kits for Early and Middle Childhood services promoting a culturally safe and sensitive learning environment.
fkaCS continues to champion quality education and cultural rights, hosting the ‘Environments that Teach’ expo. fkaCS provides administrative support to the newly established Action on Aboriginal Perspectives In Early Childhood group. The group are awarded a Warrawong Grant to develop “The Possum Skin Pedagogy: A Guide for Early Childhood Practitioners.”
The Victorian Government introduces the Best Start Best Life reforms. fkaCS is included on the Victorian Government’s School Readiness Menu of Evidence Informed Practice. The Early Childhood Language program is established and fkaCS is awarded the Quality Support Program, providing professional support to early childhood language teachers teaching languages other than English.
