Three exceptional teachers and eleven innovative programs and have been named as finalists for the 2015 Early Years Awards.
The awards celebrate the outstanding work being done to improve the health, learning, development and wellbeing of Victorian children and their families.
This year’s awards include two new categories – Outstanding Leadership for Health and Wellbeing and Early Childhood Teacher of the Year - to recognise innovative ways of improving the health and happiness of our children and supporting our most vulnerable.
They also highlight exemplary teachers who are going above and beyond to engage Victorian children.
Finalists include:
- playgroups offering a safe space for families in crisis
- a program showing Corangamite kids creative ways to stay healthy
- support for new parents with mental health issues in Bendigo
- a program that brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families together to share stories and songs and learn more about their own culture and community
Many of the finalists work in collaboration with local councils, communities, schools, universities and allied health organisations to deliver pioneering initiatives.
Winners in each of the categories receive $15,000 to support the development of their program. The Early Childhood Teacher of the Year will receive $10,000.
The awards will be presented on 28 October 2015 at the National Gallery of Victoria during National Children’s Week, which runs from 24 October to 1 November.
For more information and full list of finalists visit:
The Andrews Labor Government recently launched its state-wide consultation on the Early Education State Discussion paper and is investing $50 million in the early childhood sector through the building and upgrading of kindergartens and children’s centres across Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“I am delighted to join the early childhood community to celebrate the energy and contribution that these professionals bring to delivering ground-breaking and transformative programs for our children.”
“These finalists represent how creative and innovative approaches to early years learning can yield exceptional achievements.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is making Victoria the Education State – recognising and supporting exceptional practice in early years teaching will help us achieve it.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020