KU Macquarie Fields celebrated in NEiTA Awards

The 14 strong team from KU Macquarie Fields Preschool are celebrating their success, having recently been named as the winners of a prestigious NEiTA Seed Award, securing a $10,000 professional development grant from the National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) Foundation.

The 2024 NEiTA Awards, supported by Futurity Investment Group, were held in late November, with KU Macquarie Fields Preschool recognised for being champions of children with additional needs, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and First Nations children.

Preschool director Jacklyn Staudinger said the team works meticulously to meet the specific needs of children and their families, which as a collective represent more than 29 different cultures. 

“We believe embracing this diversity enriches the learning experience for all our children,” Ms Staudinger said.

“We develop strategies in home languages which inspire families to share rich stories of relationship and learning. This approach nurtures a sense of belonging and pride in cultural heritage amongst our children.”

The preschool employs a blend of innovative, research-based learning models and techniques, including the Circle of Security, the Early Start Denver Model and ‘Playspaces’ to create a supportive and inclusive environment.

“We are passionate about research and are always eager to learn more and enhance our skills. You can never know enough,” Ms Staudinger added.

“Children have incredibly high social and emotional needs, so learning how to best meet those needs is crucial to their development.”

“We’re like the Brady Bunch, we all come from completely different walks of life, and we’re always learning from one another,” she continued.

“We’re really humbled to win a NEITA Seed Award. We thought everyone did what we do, but apparently, they don’t.”

For NEiTA Foundation Chair, Catherine O’Sullivan the educators from KU Macquarie Fields Preschool exemplify the power of exceptional teaching and leadership.

“KU Macquarie Fields Preschool is a dedicated, compassionate, and transformative force in education,” she said.

“As remarkable teachers and community leaders, the preschool team is influencing the trajectory of future generations and leaving an enduring legacy on the lives of countless students.”

“The Western Sydney community is enriched thanks to the preschool’s ability to motivate, educate, and inspire the next generation of young minds.”

“Over three incredible decades, the National Excellence in Teaching Awards has recognised more than 1,100 exceptional educators and gifted more than $1.4 million in professional development grants and prizes. We are thrilled KU Macquarie Fields Preschool has joined this exclusive group of inspirational teachers.”

NEiTA is the longest running, community-based awards program that recognises teaching excellence in Australia and New Zealand and is proudly supported by Futurity Investment Group. 

Learn more about the awards here.