Nominations are now open for the inaugural Flying Start Early Childhood Awards, which recognise outstanding educators, leaders and services dedicated to ensuring South Australian children receive the best start in life.
The awards celebrate the workforce shaping the future of early childhood education, helping to raise the profile and professional standing of the sector.
Categories include individual honours for outstanding leaders, teachers and educators, service awards for uplifting quality in key areas and a dedicated award for an Aboriginal individual or service that has strengthened outcomes for communities.
“We’re recognising the educators, leaders and services going above and beyond for South Australian children and families,” said Education Minister, Lucy Hood (pictured, right).
“The passion, care and dedication shaping the future of early childhood education in our state is more important than ever as our Government fast-tracks delivery of three-year-old preschool.”
“These awards recognise the outstanding commitment and talents of our early childhood champions who are vital to improving outcomes for children and reducing the number of children entering school with developmental vulnerabilities,” said Office for Early Childhood Development Chief Executive, Kim Little.
The nominations open as a new program to boost the skills of early childhood educators and teachers delivering three-year-old preschool and improve quality across the sector will be implemented as part of the Government’s landmark Flying Start reforms.
The $2.5 million professional development program, Enhancing Quality, will enable partner preschools to access further training and strengthen workforce capabilities critical to the $1.9 billion Flying Start initiative.
The program focuses on three key areas – educational program and practice, relationships with children, and leadership and governance – to improve developmental outcomes for children, lift standards and better equip staff.
South Australians can nominate educators or services online. Finalists will be announced on Early Childhood Educators’ Day, 2 September, before the Flying Start Early Childhood Awards event the following month.
