CEO of KU Children’s Services Christine Legg has been awarded the Early Childhood Australia Barbara Creaser Memorial Award for her advocacy and leadership in the early childhood education sector.
From a young parent intrigued by emerging developmental psychology to becoming a national leader in early education, Legg’s professional journey reflects her lifelong commitment to an inclusive and nurturing environment for children’s early education.
“For the majority of my career, I have been plagued, as many Australian women have, with what is known as imposter syndrome,” Legg said.
“Carving out my professional identity as an advocate in the early childhood education sector has come together over time, and this journey has been the way I have come to deeply understand my purpose and impact as a leader in this sector.”
Legg believes education is the key to breaking cycles of inequity and disadvantage, with early education playing a particularly crucial role in providing young children a strong educational foundation.
“This belief has fuelled my commitment and passion to continue as a lifelong advocate for the sector,” she says.
“It is so important children are supported to be experiencing all they can, in the time that they are in rather than getting ready to be the person they will be the following year.”
Legg says as well that working with younger children is “interesting and joyful work”.
“As early childhood education professionals, we have the power to deliver high quality early childhood education programs and provide children with opportunities to develop confidence and agency before they start formal schooling,” she says.
“I’m humbled by all I have learnt from those who have been foundational in the growth of the sector over the last 45 years, including the late Barbara Creaser herself. I am privileged to stand on the shoulders of those that come before me and to lay the pathway for those that will follow after me.”
KU Children’s Services Board Chair Helen Conway says Legg’s work in the sector has been pivotal to the organisation’s ability to deliver services that reflect the needs of Australian families and communities across the country.
“Chris is widely recognised in the sector for championing and pioneering high-quality early childhood programs, creating opportunities for Australian children to truly flourish, develop independence, confidence, and their foundational developmental and social skills,” Conway said.
“She has been a steadfast advocate for the value of early childhood education in Australia, and the need to grow, support and elevate the early education profession, to ensure a legacy of high-quality early childhood education exists well into the future.”