Parents Rally to Protect Affordable Early Education as a Fundamental Right

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For 44 years, KU Community Preschool in Chatswood, Sydney, has provided affordable, high-quality early childhood education to local families. Now, with Willoughby City Council’s decision to close this not-for-profit centre, parents are deeply concerned about losing access to a vital community service that supports their children’s development and family wellbeing. This situation raises important questions about the fundamental right to accessible early education.

KU Community Preschool operates with fees as low as $13 a day, made possible through the New South Wales (NSW) government’s Start Strong program. This program guarantees 600 hours of subsidized preschool education annually, helping ensure that children from all backgrounds can benefit from early learning. The centre’s consistent full enrolment and long waiting lists highlight the strong demand and trust placed in this community-run institution.

Parents like Billy and Fiona, who spoke with A Current Affair, emphasize that KU Preschool is more than just childcare. It is a safe, nurturing environment where experienced educators help children grow and learn. For many families, this affordability allows parents to maintain employment without facing financial hardship. With the pending closure, Fiona explained she will have to reduce her work hours or pay for expensive alternatives, putting her family’s financial stability at risk.

Willoughby City Council states its responsibility to manage property assets wisely, balancing community needs with financial obligations. However, KU Children’s Services CEO Christine Legg criticized the council for prioritizing profits over the community’s welfare. After prolonged lease negotiations failed, the council awarded the lease to private operator Little Lion Early Learning, citing sustainability and cost savings.

Although the new operator will participate in the Start Strong program, parents worry that privatization may lead to higher fees and a loss of the close-knit community atmosphere KU has cultivated. This shift from a not-for-profit, community-based model to a private operator raises concerns about whether affordable early education will truly be preserved.

Affordable access to early childhood education is more than a convenience; it is a fundamental right that supports children’s development and family economic security. The closure of KU Preschool underscores the ongoing challenge governments face in balancing budget concerns with the need to protect essential community services. For Chatswood families, KU Preschool is an indispensable asset. Their fight to save it calls for local leaders to recognize early education as a right that must not be compromised for short-term financial gain.