With the Victorian Early Years Awards fast approaching, it's time for Victorians to nominate their most innovative, inspiring and dedicated early childhood teachers, educators, organisations and programs.
Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt has opened nominations for this year's awards and encouraged Victoria's early childhood professionals and services, parents and carers, and the broader community to nominate those who they believe deserve to be recognised in any of the nine categories.
Now in its 18th year, the Victorian Early Years Awards celebrates the outstanding work of our early childhood sector in improving the learning, health and wellbeing of young Victorian children and their families.
In 2023, the awards will celebrate the leadership, outstanding achievement, dedication and innovation of early childhood professionals in a range of categories, including improving access and participation, promoting children's health and wellbeing, supporting parents, and continuity of learning.
The importance of Aboriginal inclusion and perspectives in ensuring all early childhood services are accessible to Koorie children and families will also be recognised, with a newly dedicated award commemorating the life and legacy of Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri woman Aunty Rose Bamblett (1947 to 2022).
Outstanding individual contributions to early childhood outcomes will be recognised through the prestigious Early Childhood Teacher of the Year award and another new award - Educator of the Year - which recognises the vital contribution educators make to early childhood services and children.
All award winners will receive $15,000 to support their professional development or to further develop their program or initiative. In addition, all finalists will be considered for the prestigious Minister's Award, selected by Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt.
Nominations for the Victorian Early Years Awards close on 14 June, with finalists announced in September. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit vic.gov.au/victorian-early-years-awards.
As stated by Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt
"The best early years experiences start with the best early childhood professionals and now is the time to ensure their hard work is recognised. I encourage Victorians to nominate outstanding people and organisations now."
"This year's Victorian Early Years Awards is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the people, organisations and services that help Victorian children get the best start in life."
"Aunty Rose Bamblett's passion for early childhood education and support of Koorie families spanned more than 40 years - it is only fitting that we commemorate her life and legacy with an Early Years Award in her name."
