Special Teaching and Research (STaR)

What Special Teaching and Research (STaR) does

Special Teaching and Research (STaR) Ltd is an Australian registered charity and not-for-profit organisation founded in 2001, headquartered in Castle Hill, NSW. It delivers inclusive special education and disability support services across the lifespan, with its core programme being the Early Years Program — a wrap-around model that places special educators into mainstream early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings to coach educators, develop Individual Learning Plans for children with disability or developmental delay, and support families through transition-to-school pathways. The organisation also delivers complementary services including MyTime peer support groups, Stepping Stones Triple P parenting workshops, Key Word Sign (KWS) training, ECEC professional development, post-school transition support via the Beyond Boundaries project, and registered NDIS provider services across seven support categories.

Underlying methodology is grounded in a 10-year research project at the Macquarie University Special Education Centre (MUSEC) and incorporates the Individual Child Engagement Record-Revised (ICER-R) practitioner tool. The team comprises PhD-qualified researchers, special educators with postgraduate qualifications, and academic collaborators at Western Sydney University's TeEACH Research Centre, with an active peer-reviewed publication record spanning 2006-2025.

STaR's business model blends philanthropy (~80% of Early Years Program funding), Australian Department of Social Services grants under the CaPS programme (~20%), fee-for-service professional development and KWS workshops ($79 per person to $3,500 per group), NDIS-registered service delivery, and corporate sponsorship (Monstar Foundation, Stockbrokers Foundation, Axi). Customer segments include families of children with disability, ECEC services, educators, and post-school young adults, with delivery concentrated in northwest Sydney and NSW-wide reach for professional development webinars funded through the NSW Department of Education Sector Development Program.

Name

Special Teaching and Research (STaR)

Legal name

Specialist Teaching and Research (STaR) Ltd

Website

https://star.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

STaR is an Australian not-for-profit founded in 2001 that delivers inclusive special education and disability support, primarily through the Early Years Program in mainstream ECEC settings in NSW, plus professional development, KWS training, parent support, and registered NDIS services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Intervention and Inclusive Education Services

NAICS

Child Care Services (62441), Educational Support Services (611710), Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Needs Early Intervention & Preschool Programs (EDAKAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Developmental Therapy / Early Childhood Special Instruction (EDACAFAG), Developmental Screening & Assessment (0–5) (EDACAFAA), Autism Early Intervention (Educational) (EDAKAKAB), Early Intervention Academic Readiness (Pre-K–Early Elementary) (EDAKADAG)

Keywords

• Inclusive education services
• Early childhood intervention
• Special education support
• Disability support services
• Professional development training

Headquarters

HQ city

Castle Hill

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants - Department of Social Services: Approximately 20% of the Early Years Program is funded by the Australian Department of Social Services (DSS) under the Commonwealth's 'Families and Children' program (CaPS). The EYP is delivered at no cost to families or ECEC services. STaR also receives funding through the NSW Department of Education's Sector Development Program for professional development webinars.
2. Philanthropy and Donations: Approximately 80% of the Early Years Program funding comes from fundraising, donations and philanthropy. STaR actively solicits community donations and relies on philanthropy to maintain free-of-charge services to families.
3. Professional Development and Training Fees: STaR charges fees for in-service professional development courses delivered to ECEC services ($1,500 plus GST for up to 20 participants), Key Word Sign workshops ($79 for introductory, $350 for basic/intermediate workshops, $3,500 group flat rate for 10-15 participants), and online courses through Thinkific.
4. NDIS Service Fees: STaR is a registered NDIS provider delivering services across multiple support categories: Assist Access/Maintain Employment (0102), Innovative Community Participation (0116), Development-Life Skills (0117), Early Childhood Supports (0118), Participate Community (0125), Spec Support Employment (0133), and Group/Centre Activities (0136).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

STaR delivers evidence-based early childhood intervention and inclusive education supports for children and young adults with disability or developmental delay. Its core paid and grant-funded services include the Early Years Program (Individual Learning Plans, fortnightly special educator visits, ECEC coaching and transition-to-school support), MyTime peer support groups, Key Word Sign workshops, Stepping Stones Triple P parenting seminars, in-service professional development for ECEC services, the Beyond Boundaries post-school transition project, and registered NDIS supports across multiple registration categories.

Product overview

Special Teaching and Research (STaR) Ltd operates as a service organization offering a portfolio of specialized education and support programs rather than a technology product. The core offerings include the Early Years Program (early childhood intervention in mainstream ECEC settings), MyTime Peer Support Groups (parent/carer support), Key Word Sign Workshops (communication training), Triple P Parenting Workshops (behavioral support), ECEC professional development services, Post School Services including the Beyond Boundaries project, and NDIS-registered support services. These programs are delivered directly by STaR's team of special educators and are funded through a combination of DSS grants and philanthropy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early Years Program A wrap-around early childhood intervention program supporting children with disability or developmental delay to enrol, engage and learn meaningfully at their local mainstream early childhood education and care (ECEC) service. Delivered at no cost to families or ECEC services through Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) updated at least three times per year, fortnightly special educator visits, educator coaching and transition-to-school support. Funded approximately 80% by philanthropy and 20% by DSS.
• MyTime Peer Support Group A national peer support group for parents and carers of children with disability or chronic medical condition, providing social connection, resource sharing and community support. Delivered weekly in Baulkham Hills NSW by STaR on behalf of Playgroup NSW, with a trained facilitator and qualified play helper. Free of charge.
• Key Word Sign Workshops Nationally standardised Key Word Sign (KWS) training delivered by KWSA-accredited STaR presenters for parents, educators and professionals supporting children and adults with communication difficulties. Available as 2-hour introductory ($79) and 7-hour basic/intermediate ($350 per person, $3,500 group flat rate for 10-15 participants) workshops face-to-face across NSW.
• Triple P Parenting Workshops Stepping Stones Triple P, a series of three free parenting information seminars for parents of children up to 12 years of age with developmental disabilities or additional needs, providing practical strategies for behaviour management. Free of charge for all NSW families.
• Support for ECEC Services Professional development, coaching and mentoring for early childhood educators and ECEC services to develop inclusive practices and implement learning programs for children with disability or developmental delay. Includes 2-hour in-service workshops ($1,500 plus GST for up to 20 participants, plus travel), Guided Practice Projects eligible for Inclusion Support Program funding, and live webinars reaching 3,000+ NSW educators since September 2021.
• Post School Services (Beyond Boundaries) Beyond Boundaries project and Individual Learning Plan services supporting young adults with disability in their transition from formal schooling to post-school life. Includes a guide and checklist for families and carers of young people in their high school years, addressing pathways to employment, further education and independent living. Partnered with Clarke Road Special School Hornsby.
• NDIS Services Registered NDIS provider delivering funded supports across seven NDIS registration categories: Assist Access/Maintain Employment (0102), Innovative Community Participation (0116), Development-Life Skills (0117), Early Childhood Supports (0118), Participate Community (0125), Spec Support Employment (0133) and Group/Centre Activities (0136). Provides early childhood supports, life skills development, community participation and employment-related services to NDIS participants.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 600 children with disability or developmental delay supported since 2001
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Macquarie University Special Education Centre (MUSEC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001STaR was founded in 2001 by Dr. Coral Kemp, parents, and professionals from the Macquarie University Special Education Centre. The basic philosophy and strategies of the STaR Early Years Program were developed from a 10-year research project at MUSEC. STaR continues to collaborate with Macquarie University academics on research projects.
• Institute of Special Educators (InSpEd)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTaR staff are active members of InSpEd, an institute that supports children with disabilities in regular childcare. Dr Coral Kemp is a Founding Director of InSpEd, and STaR staff contribute to InSpEd research teams and publications. STaR's Head of Research Dr Sarah Carlon is an Honorary Affiliate of InSpEd.
• Western Sydney University (TeEACH Research Centre)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTaR collaborates with Western Sydney University's Transforming early Education and Child Health (TeEACH) Research Centre. Professor Rebekah Grace, Director of TeEACH, chairs STaR's Board as Non-Executive Director. Dr Sarah Carlon is an Adjunct Fellow of TeEACH. Current joint research projects include personnel preparation for Australian ECI roles.
• Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS)coreOthersDSS provides approximately 20% of Early Years Program funding under the Commonwealth's 'Families and Children' program (CaPS). STaR's MyTime peer support group is funded by DSS and delivered through Playgroup NSW. The National Best Practice Framework for ECI was commissioned by DSS as part of Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031.
• Clarke Road Special School HornsbyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school for the Beyond Boundaries project, which started in 2024 to provide comprehensive information on the transition between formal schooling and post-school life for young people with disability. The project developed a guide and checklist for families and carers of young people in their high school years.
• NSW Department of EducationcoreOthersNSW DoE has funded STaR to deliver professional development webinars to early childhood educators across NSW through the Sector Development Program (since September 2021, reaching 3,000+ educators). STaR also previously delivered Sector Capacity Building support to 20 inclusive preschools through the NSW DoE's Disability and Inclusion Program (2018-2022).
• Playgroup NSWcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTaR facilitates the MyTime peer support group on behalf of Playgroup NSW. MyTime is a national initiative for parents and carers of children with disability, coordinated nationally by the Parenting Research Centre and delivered through local organisations like STaR.
• Parenting Research CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Parenting Research Centre coordinates the MyTime national initiative in partnership with local childhood and parenting services. STaR delivers the local MyTime group as a partner in this national network.
• SNAICC (National Voice for our Children)minorOthersSTaR is a member of SNAICC, which contributed to the development of the National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention. SNAICC is a key national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
• ARACY (Act For Children)minorOthersSTaR is a member of ARACY (Act For Children), a national alliance working to improve the wellbeing of children and young people in Australia.
• Pyramid Model AustraliaminorOthersSTaR is a member of Pyramid Model Australia, an organisation promoting social-emotional competence and addressing challenging behaviour in young children.
• InSpEd (Institute of Special Educators)coreOthersSTaR is a member of InSpEd, which supports children with disabilities in regular childcare through professional development and research. STaR founder Dr Coral Kemp is a Founding Director.
• Explore & Develop Baulkham HillscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTaR-affiliated ECEC service; a purpose-built centre serving children from 6 weeks to 6 years. One of 6 affiliated services where the Early Years Program is delivered.
• Kids' Early Learning (Blacktown City Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree Kids' Early Learning centres (Doonside North, Kings Langley North, Marayong) are affiliated with STaR's Early Years Program. These Blacktown City Council services provide high-quality early childhood education for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
• Midson Road Child Care CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTaR-affiliated ECEC service; a family-owned service providing care for children from birth to 6 years in Epping, NSW.
• Noah's Ark PreschoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTaR-affiliated ECEC service; a community-based, not-for-profit service rated 'Exceeding' in National Quality Standards, part of the Quakers Hill Uniting Church.
• Key Word Sign Australia (KWSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTaR presenters have completed intensive training through Key Word Sign Australia (KWSA) and are certified to deliver official Nationally Standardised KWS training workshops.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Northcott: Northcott is an NSW-based registered NDIS provider delivering early childhood supports, therapy, and disability services across NSW, ACT and Queensland. Like STaR, it funds part of its program through philanthropy and competes for the same family and educator referral networks in northwest Sydney.
• Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect): Aspect operates early intervention programs, specialist schools, and NDIS-registered supports across Australia, with a strong NSW presence. Its educational and behavioural early intervention services target a similar population of children with developmental disabilities to STaR.
• Lifestart: Lifestart is an NSW-based non-profit delivering NDIS Early Childhood Supports and Allied Health services to children with disability or developmental delay. It is registered as an Early Childhood Partner with the National Disability Insurance Agency, directly overlapping with STaR's EYP service offering.
• Cerebral Palsy Alliance: Cerebral Palsy Alliance is one of Australia's largest early childhood intervention providers, delivering therapy, early learning support, and NDIS-funded disability services primarily in NSW. It competes directly with STaR for ECI referrals and government contracts in the same Sydney metro geography.

Broad incumbents

• Yooralla: Yooralla is a major Victorian and NSW disability services organisation with NDIS-registered supports spanning accommodation, therapy and community participation. It operates as an Early Childhood Partner and offers services that materially overlap with STaR's EYP.
• Goodstart Early Learning: Goodstart is Australia's largest not-for-profit long day care and preschool provider with inclusion-focused programs and Inclusion Support coordination. While primarily an ECEC operator rather than an ECI provider, it competes at the system level for inclusion funding and partnerships of the kind STaR currently captures.
• Life Without Barriers: Life Without Barriers is one of Australia's largest non-profit disability and community services providers, offering NDIS supports across multiple categories and states. While far broader than STaR, it delivers ECI-adjacent services that compete for the same NDIS-funded referrals.

Emerging players

• Plumtree Children's Services: Plumtree is a Sydney-based non-profit that supports children with disability and their families through early intervention, family support, and inclusive education services. It is smaller than the major ECI players but competes with STaR for the same NDIS and donor ecosystem in NSW.

Regional players

• SDN Children's Services: SDN is a Sydney-based non-profit ECEC operator and inclusive practice advocate with a long history of inclusion-focused early learning. Like KU, it is more an ECEC operator than an ECI provider, but it competes for the same inclusion-focused enrolment demand.
• KU Children's Services: KU is a large NSW-based non-profit ECEC provider with specialist inclusive practice programs for children with disability. It partners with (rather than competes against) services like STaR for inclusion capacity, but operates overlapping programs for the same children and families in NSW.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Special Teaching and Research (STaR)