Best in the business
Family day care educators in Baw Baw Shire are among the best in the business.
Council’s family day care service has been recognised as the national service of the year at the Family Day Care Australia Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
There are 22 family day care educators and four support staff working across the shire, delivering a service to families for over 30 years.
The team was selected as national finalists for the award for the Tasmania/Victoria region, before winning the overall award at a ceremony in Canberra last month.
The educators were recognised for a collaborative approach to ongoing development, reflective practice, and community contribution.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, day care educators prioritised strong, meaningful relationships with peers, children, and families.
Baw Baw’s family day care co-ordinator Caroline Halliday said she was honoured to receive the national award on behalf of council, who continued to support the team “and see the value in the service we provide.”
“This award is only possible because of the amazing support we receive from staff, educators, and of course the families who participated in the nomination process.
“We are greatly honoured to receive this award and will continue to make sure we provide the best possible service to families in Baw Baw Shire,” she said.
The Baw Baw service has been rated as exceeding national standards under the National Quality Framework and was previously recognised with perpetual star, coordinator of the year and regional educator of the year awards.
Mayor Michael Leaney said council was fortunate to have such skilled and passionate educators working in the community.
“The families that make use of this excellent service know first hand just how much they care and dedicate themselves to everything they do.
“Throughout the pandemic they have demonstrated such resilience in maintaining their exceptional standards at a time when families needed it most,” he said.
Family Day Care Australia chief executive officer Andrew Paterson said the Baw Baw team had displayed excellence in all areas of practice and was committed to providing quality outcomes for children, peers and communities.
“Their contributions, not just to family day care but to the wider early childhood sector, are invaluable.
“Services like Baw Baw Shire family day care support educators to reap the rewards of a career in early childhood that allows them to educate their way and enjoy a richly rewarding career as part of one of Australia’s largest networks of women in small business,” he said.