A TANILBA Bay preschool teacher has been nominated for one of Australia’s most prestigious early education awards.
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Belinda Haynes from KU Peninsula Preschool said she was “chuffed” with her educator of the year category nomination in this year’s Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards.
“I can’t believe I’m nominated,” Ms Haynes said.
“My passion is children. I love to learn, play and grow with them.”
Ms Haynes, from Salt Ash, has been in the industry for 12 years.
She has been at KU Peninsula Preschool for eight years.
“I’ve watched a lot of children come through the preschool,” she said.
“I see children in the streets that are in year 8 or 9 and think about when I had them as three year olds. I’ve cared for a lot of children over the years.”
The Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards, now in its 12th year, celebrates the dedication, tireless work and passion of outstanding leaders and services in Australian communities.
Each finalist is required to demonstrate their achievements in practice and commitment to five key areas aligned with the National Quality Standards.
The five areas are: improving the well-being of children, improving children’s programs, improving the early childhood service, ongoing professional learning and development and improving inclusive interactions and partnerships with families.
Judging chairman and Australian Family Managing director, Paul Clancy, said that as more families used early childhood education and care services, it was critical that parents knew their children were receiving “the very best of care”.
“It is these early development stages where young children begin to grow socially, emotionally, physically and educationally yet as parents how often do we acknowledge the quality care and education our young children receive when they aren’t in our care?,” Mr Clancy said.
“There are so many committed and caring directors, educators, rising stars and services in Australia entrusted in the development of young lives and it is our job as parents and guardians to thank and praise their efforts”
Award finalists will be announced mid-April. Winners will then go to a state round, announced May 17.
National winners are announced June 17.
There is more than $75,000 in prizes, including $40,000 in training and professional development grants, available to win through the awards.