As a result of the support of KU Children’s Services, Early Childhood Australia – New South Wales Branch, Gowrie NSW and Uniting, the Premier’s Early Childhood Education Scholarship was offered again in 2016. The award is for a study in early childhood education. All teachers currently teaching in a long day care service, pre-school, primary school or TAFE NSW Institute were eligible to apply.
One scholarship of $10,000 was awarded to Laure Hislop. Laure is the Director at KU Killara Park Preschool.
Laure and the team at KU Killara Park have an interest in exploring how technology can be used to enhance learning within early childhood education, and this scholarship will enable Laure to travel to the USA next year to attend and co-present at two conferences.

Laure Hislop and Minister Adrian Piccoli

Scholarship recipients visit some of the world’s best institutions and centres of learning to consult with experts and observe exemplary practices related to a specific aspect of their curriculum. It is anticipated that successful applicants would spend up to five weeks involved in a study program. Time need not be spent in formal study, but may involve a program of visits to sites, schools and institutions to conduct interviews, observe exemplary practices and collect resources for the preparation of teaching materials related to early childhood education.

The 2016 Premier’s Teacher Scholarship Reception was held on Tuesday 23 August in the Gallery Room, NSW State Library. The awards were presented by The Hon. Adrian Piccoli MP Minister for Education and The Hon. Leslie Williams MP Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education.

Rose Todd (Gowrie), Gabby Holden (Uniting) Minister Piccoli, Laure Hislop, Minister Williams, Carol Burgess (ECA) and Chris Legg (KU Services)