By Gabriella Payne
Do you know a talented preschool educator that deserves a bit of recognition for all their hard work?
Well now’s your chance to shine a light on them, as families, early childhood services and organisations are invited to nominate someone special in the field to go into the running to win a Victorian Early Years Award for 2021.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale encouraged community members to nominate either an individual or an early childhood organisation for the awards, which celebrate the outstanding work these preschool professionals do to help enrich and improve the lives of many children and their families throughout the community.
Now in its 16th year, the Victorian Early Years Awards are a fantastic way to say thanks to some of the industry’s best and most dedicated professionals, and Ms Crugnale said it was a great initiative.
“Our many passionate early years professionals and early years services who deliver fantastic outcomes for children so deserve to be recognised,” she said.
Nominees can be entered in one of seven categories at this year’s awards, including improving access and participation, supporting parents and promoting children’s health and wellbeing – not to mention the prestigious early childhood teacher of the year award.
The winners will receive up to $15,000 to go towards further developing and sharing the lessons of their incredible work in kindergartens, schools, local councils, maternal child and health services and other early years organisations across Victoria.
Minister for Early Childhood, Ingrid Stitt, encouraged people to get involved and nominate an organisation or individual that they thought was deserving before the closing date next month.
“This year’s Victorian Early Years Awards are the perfect opportunity to celebrate the people, organisations and services that help our children to get the best start in life,” Ms Stitt said.
Nominations for the awards close on Monday 14 June and the finalists will be announced in August, ahead of the awards ceremony in November.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/veya
