A trio of early childhood educators from the west have been recognised for their dedication to helping youngsters thrive.
Jamie Swanston from Sparrow Early Learning in Tarneit and Michelle Walker from the Jindi Woraback Children’s Centre in St Albans have both been named state finalists in the Director of the Year category of the Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards.
Mari De Luca of Jindi Woraback has also been announced as a finalist in the Educator of the Year category.
The national award winners will be announced on June 16.
Ms Swanston said she was “very honoured” to be nominated for the awards.
“Being given the opportunity to educate children, watch them grow and achieve new goals is very rewarding,” she said.
Ms Walker has worked at Jindi Woraback for 17 years and said she loved “being invited to join in play by the children” in her care.
Her co-worker Ms De Luca said she had been employed by Jindi Woraback for 20 years.
“I feel privileged to work with children,” she said. “When I see past kinder children, that are now teenagers in the community, they approach me and still remember that I was their kinder teacher.
“They remember their kinder days fondly and I am reassured I have had a positive influence in their young lives.”
