An early learning centre at Woongarrah is one of nine finalists in the national 2022 HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Awards which highlight extraordinary work by Australia’s early childhood educators and carers.
The Goodstart Early Learning Centre has been selected in the Outstanding Organisation category for its work to create an inclusive learning environment.
Centre Director, Shann Crain said they did this through ‘inclusion mapping’ – painting a holistic picture of each child and families’ specific needs.
“The centre was then able to create a tailored learning approach which included developing a mindfulness curriculum and engaging an Occupational Therapist to help educators understand the children’s different learning styles,” she said.
“As a result, the centre has created genuine, trusting relationships with their families.
“They have also improved learning outcomes by helping families access early intervention services prior to their children starting kindergarten.”
Crain said the centre planned to embed mindfulness practices across all learning environments and share their knowledge with the broader early childhood community.
HESTA CEO, Debby Blakey said the nine award finalists were the very best at what they did and demonstrated excellence by frontline educators and carers.
“There are some wonderful stories and achievements and it’s a privilege to help share these inspiring stories from educators and carers around the country and recognise the people doing this important work,” she said.
“I’m so impressed by what they have been able to achieve in improving inclusivity in learning and giving children their very best start in life.
“It takes enormous dedication, drive and heart to educate and look after our youngest Australians which is so important for a strong economy and the future of our nation,” Blakey said.
Winners of the three award categories – Advancing Pedagogy and Practice, Individual Leadership and Outstanding Organisation – will be announced at a gala dinner in Canberra on October 7.
Sue Murray