Exceptional early childhood professionals are being sought as nominations open for the 2020 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.
The prestigious annual Awards, which have a $30,000 prize pool up for grabs, recognise early childhood educators and carers who have demonstrated excellence in improving learning outcomes for children.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said making a nomination was a fantastic way to celebrate the dedicated people working hard to improve the lives of young children and their families.
“The role early educators and carers play in a child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development is critical,” Ms Blakey said.
“There is excellent and innovative work being done in the sector every day to enhance the delivery and outcomes of early childhood education, and submitting a nomination is one way we can recognise these people and their important contributions to society.
“During these challenging times early childhood educators have continued to provide vital education to the children of essential workers, demonstrating again how they underpin key services and broader economic activity by supporting the community to work.”
Employers, colleagues and families have until 25 September to nominate individuals and organisations – working with children from birth to eight years of age – who demonstrate innovation, quality improvement and enhanced learning outcomes for young children in a variety of settings, including preschool, long day care, primary school or outside-of-hours care.
HESTA Awards sponsor ME – the bank for you – has donated the prize money, with the winner of each category – Advancing Pedagogy and Practice, Outstanding Organisation and Individual Leadership – to receive $10,000
