Victorians are being encouraged to recognise the outstanding work of early childhood professionals in improving the lives of young children by nominating an early childhood teacher or organisation for a Victorian Early Years Award.
Acting Victorian Minister for Education Gayle Tierney announced nominations for the awards are open, and encouraged families, early childhood professionals and early years support organisations to nominate themselves or others.
Now in their 14th year, the Victorian Early Years Awards recognise the crucial work of early childhood professionals in helping young children to learn and thrive.
Award winners in each category will receive up to $15,000 to continue their exceptional work in kindergartens, schools, local councils, maternal child and health services and other early years organisations across the state.
The awards celebrate the achievements and commitment of early childhood professionals across seven award categories, including supporting parents, transition to school and the early childhood teacher of the year.
Early childhood is the foundation for lifelong wellbeing and learning, which is why the Victorian Government is committed to strengthening the services delivered to children and their families.
Making Victoria the Education State starts with the early years. This is why, in an Australian first, the Victorian Government is investing almost $5 billion over the next decade to deliver a full 15 hours per week of three-year-old kindergarten, to be progressively rolled out from 2020.
Nominations close at midnight on 24 May 2019. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the National Gallery of Victoria in October 2019.
Source: Vic Government