Best of best in early learning
THE best of the Northern Territory early childhood and school-age education and care sector were celebrated at an awards ceremony held at Parliament House on October 4.
The Northern Territory Education and Care Awards recognise educators and services in the early childhood and school-age education and care sector who are innovative and exhibit outstanding commitment and achievement in delivering a high quality service for children and families.
The awards attracted a record 88 nominations.
The nine winners will participate in a study tour to New Zealand next month, where they will learn about different models of theory and practice.
As part of the study tour, there will be visits to a number of early childhood service settings to give participants the opportunity to observe different approaches, which they will share with Northern Territory colleagues on their return.
The 2016 award ceremony was an exciting event with many Northern Territory, interstate and international early childhood professionals gathered to celebrate the achievements of the finalists and winners.
This year Professor Carla Rinaldi (Italy), Maria Aarts (Netherlands), Professor Susan Edwards (Australia) and Claire Warden (Scotland), keynote speakers at the Early Childhood Australia National Conference 2016 held in Darwin from October 5-8, attended the ceremony. Congratulations to all award winners: • Outstanding Achievement in Leadership
Christine Tayler, Darwin Family Day Care • Outstanding Educator Myfwany (Varn) Baker, Millner Preschool • Emerging Professional Educator Melanie Smith, Nhulunbuy Child Care Centre
• Outstanding Education and Care Service in Out of School Hours Care Holy Spirit Out of School Hours Care • Outstanding Education and Care Service in Budget Based Funded Services Katherine Isolated Children’s Service • Outstanding Education and Care Service in Long Day Care/Kindy Murraya Children’s Centre • Outstanding Education and Care Service in Preschool Alekarenge Preschool • Outstanding Achievement in Community Engagement Murraya Children’s Centre • Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Practice Nightcliff Community Early Learning Centre