Founded in 1908, fka Children’s Services (fkaCS) is a community-owned, not-for-profit organisation supporting cultural inclusion and social cohesion in early childhood education.
We advocate for an early childhood education system grounded in inclusive practice that strengthens children’s language, identity, wellbeing and sense of belonging, ensuring every child can actively participate in culturally rich, safe and high-quality learning environments.
Our focus
Grounded in evidence-informed practice, we support educators to strengthen pedagogy and curriculum design through cultural inclusion.
We provide coaching, consultancy, multilingual resources and professional learning that empower services to create high-quality environments that value and reflect diversity.
Aligned with the National Quality Framework and the VEYLDF, we partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community elders to ensure their perspectives are authentically represented.
Our vision
Our Vision is for all children to actively participate in quality education and care services that recognise, value and celebrate difference and diversity.
Our purpose
Our Purpose is to guide, support and champion the provision of high-quality early childhood education and care.
Our story
1900 -1910
Establishment of Kindergartens in Victoria
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.
1910 - 1920
Rapid Expansion of Kindergartens
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.
1920 - 1930
Advancements in Early Childhood Education
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.
1930 - 1940
National Collaboration in Early Childhood
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.
1940 - 1950
Maternal and Child Health Services
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.
1950 - 1960
Expansion and Diversity
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.
1960 - 1970
Community Outreach and Multiculturalism
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.
1970 - 1980
Progressive 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.
1980 - 1990
Growth and Integration
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.
1990 - 2000
Focus on Diversity and Multiculturalism
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).
2000 - 2010
Recognition of Aboriginal knowledge and the right to self-determination
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.
2000 - 2010
Recognition of Aboriginal knowledge and the right to self-determination
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.
2010 - 2020
Action on Cultural Perspectives and "The Possum Skin Pedagogy"
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."
2020 – current
Continuing the journey
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.
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Our patron
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC was inaugurated as the 30th Governor of Victoria on August 9, 2023.
Our board of management
Ros Cornish AM
President
Vanessa Field
Vice President
Rakhi Khanna
Treasurer
Julie Brooks
Secretary
Karla Coombes
Board member
Dr Wendy Roberts
Board member
Marie Howard
Board member
Marlene Fox
Board member
Our life members
Dr P. Clarke
Ms B. Romeril
Ms. K. Coombes
Dr A. Kennedy
Mrs P. Montgomery
Ms D. Rundle
Mr J. Emerson
Mrs G. Johnson
Mr E. Rush
Mr L. Cox
Mr I. Renard
Ms D. Rundle
Friends of fkaCS
fkaCS acknowledges the many friends and volunteers who have supported the organisation. We sincerely thank you for your commitment to fkaCS and welcome new offers of support from the broader community.
