Every parent who has started on the childcare journey understands the emotional rollercoaster that is the first day, and sometimes subsequent day drop off. Your heart isn't ready for your baby to embark on such a big step in their little life and despite it all, here you are, looking for another member to join their village that will help to raise your child.
Because every child needs a village. Every parent needs support, and every educator is ready to be a part of your little one's life.
Champion these Champions
Join us as we champion our incredible ECEC Educators on Early Childhood Educators Day. We're giving parents, service owners, and fellow sector professionals the opportunity to highlight their appreciation for the educators in their lives who are having the greatest impact on families, their community, and the sector as a whole.
Saying 'Thank You,' won't solve every challenge faced by these indispensable professionals, yet it goes a long way to show Australia's early childhood educators that we see them, we hear them, and we value each and every one of them.
Six deserving educators across the country will win a luxury weekend away and anyone who nominates has the chance to win a $500 VISA gift card.
Get the kids involved!
Show these champions that we all care and get the kids involved in thanking their educators with a downloadable colouring sheet which can be uploaded here for your chance to win a $250 FUNDAY Sweets voucher. Don't forget to present your special educator with their certificate!
More than just a carer
Early learning services are more than just centres that we use to leave our children for the day so we can work. And early learning educators are more than just people who look after our children. It's more than minding. It's education. These exceptional humans, no matter what else is going on in their lives, show up every day to watch over, educate and help your children thrive in ways that they only know how.
Their programs are set to such a high standard, scrutinised to meet the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), ensuring that each day they meet with your children, they're learning something new and having the best time doing it.
Their job doesn't stop at educating. That's just what they're best known for. They're much more than the faces at drop off and pick up, they're an extension of your family.
The relationship between parents and educators is unique and very special. It's a connection built on trust and a shared commitment to helping children develop and thrive. As a parent, it's important to remember that early educators are not just providers of childcare – they are partners in your child's development.
But, who are they?
Now we've touched on what they do, let's look at who they are.
Over the years, we have spoken to hundreds of early childhood education teachers, room leaders, managers, directors, and business owners, all invested in our families, and in our children. From the easy days of breezy spring play to the most challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, their dedication didn't waiver. They remained stoic, educating our youngest members, guiding them through their fears, and keeping their imaginations focused on the things that matter most. The things children should be focused on. Learning through play!
Recently, we spoke to twelve of these wonderful educators and asked them what it was that got them out of bed each day.
“As soon as we enter the door, they all come and give you a big hug. And yeah, that motivates me every morning,” says Indu of Sparkways Early Learning with a big smile on her face.
While Hayley from Nino Early Learning Adventures says, “I love how much the children can change and grow over even just a year. With the babies, you see their little personalities sort of shine through as they learn and go through those developmental stages.”
Our educators are very clever, big kids!
Of course, these wonderful people are super smart, funny, and knowledgeable but they're just big kids at heart!
Indu jokes, “When I am playing with them outside, I feel like I'm not 40, I'm 4. It's beautiful.”
And Tonicha from Nino Early Learning Adventures goes through the list of her favourite things to do, “Art. Creative painting. Getting messy! Things like slime paint. Anything to do with watercolour, water ice, and anything sensory-based. I love getting down and dirty!”
Behind all of the 'young at heart' banter comes extensive early education knowledge, years of training and an exceptional understanding of childhood development - yes, even painting in shaving cream has a purpose and every educator knows it.
All of this is why we're asking Australia to nominate those educators who have made an impact on their children's lives by thanking them loud & proud!
Thank you early childhood educators!
