A small group of practitioners believed it was time to market non-profit services. The group formed a committee and began working towards the unification of non-profit services for the purpose of marketing and strength. All held a firm belief that community based services were of great importance to each of their unique communities.

The initial meeting, 4th May 2005 was organised to gauge support from centres based within the regions of; Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter. The second meeting held on the 2nd August 2005 proved that there was overwhelming support for the group to continue to organise a campaign.

A committee was formed and the organisation has continued to grow, gaining membership and involvement from regions outside our own.

History

In Australia in the late 1800’s there was a great concern about the many young children living with their families in very poor conditions, who were often neglected and had no access to appropriate education. The worsening of these conditions by a major strike in 1890 and the depression of 1893 resulted in wide spread destitution in the slum areas. Social reform was linked to the education and welfare of these young people. And so began an organisation which consisted of a group of enthusiasts who formed the first committee of The Kindergarten Union. This group became involved in providing free early childhood education for 3-5 year old children.

Sydney Day nursery was the first organisation in Australia to offer long day care for children it began operating in 1905 in response to a community need.

Change came in the 1970’s with the emergence of social movements for liberation and empowerment. The women’s movement developed community owned service models run by parents for local families. So right from the start community owned child care was about building communities through the provision of care for children.

In current times community owned (non profit) early education centres are supported by organisations such as National Association of Community Based Children’s Services and Community Childcare Coop.

Due to the ever increasing number of privately owned and corporate services (for profit), the community sector in Newcastle and the Hunter have united to form a group called the Non-profit Children’s Services Incorporated. The aim of this group is to give parents an opportunity to make informed choices about the care and education for their children.