Sutherland Shire Council's childcare team is reaching new heights, with a winner and 12 finalists announced in two separate awards programs for excellence.
In September, Sylvania Family Day Care Educator Renata Stipanovic was recognised as one of Australia's finest early childhood educators, named as the Southern Suburbs & Sutherland Shire regional winner in the 2019 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards. Renata is now in the running to be named as a national finalist for the national Family Day Care Educator of the Year Award.
Later this month, winners will be announced in the prestigious 2019 Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards, with Council's 12 finalists in the running across many categories.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said Council's finalists included individual Educators, Early Education Centres, Family Day Care and two teams from within Council's Children's Services unit.
"I'm really proud of our childcare team and this truly is a testament to the great work being undertaken in the early education and care services we provide to many local families," said Mayor Pesce.
"It reflects our quality learning programs, the environments available to the children, the partnerships we have with families, our inclusive practices and our non-negotiable commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality.
"Our talented Educators work incredibly hard, day in and day out. They go over and above when it comes to the care and connection they have with the children and families. They focus on the individual care and development of every child.
"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Renata and wish our 12 finalists all the best for the upcoming awards"
Finalists include Council's Early Education Centres at Moore Street Sutherland, Caldarra Avenue Engadine and Bradman Road Menai, along with its Family Day Care service.
The Moore Street Sutherland centre also has three Educators who are individual finalists, along with one Educator from the Fauna Place Kirrawee Centre.
Council's Family Day Care services operated by Educators Renata in Sylvania and Kelly at Yowie Bay are also finalists for their indoor and outdoor learning environments respectively.
Children's Services' own sustainability team is also a finalist, reflecting outstanding sustainable practices and ongoing environmental learning programs provided to the children.
Winners will be announced at an awards dinner on 26 October in Sydney.
