A Ballan childcare educator was honoured with an award this month, recognising her “devotion, commitment and excellence” in early childhood education and care.
Ballan resident and Wyndham Early Learning Family Day Care educator Joanne Bell was announced as the Ballarat and Central Highlands region winner in the 2025 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
Now in its 14th year, the awards program celebrates the role of family day care and day care educators who combine small business ownership with their dedication to supporting children’s learning and development.
Having been an educator for about 35 years, Ms Bell said that she is “just very thankful to have this job and to have the connection to the community through this work”.
“I was just very humbled to receive this award and to be chosen from so many applicants,” Ms Bell said.
She said that she loves that every working day is different.
“The children, they just bring so much joy. Even when they’re not having a great day, knowing that you are able to help them through it … helping them to develop skills to go out into the world and … [do what] they’d like to do in the future,” she said.
“Just educating them is such a joy … children just absorb everything that you do … watching the progress is just a miracle.”
Family Day Care Australia chief executive Andrew Paterson said educators like Ms Bell “demonstrate an incredible level of dedication and care”.
“Her commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching early learning environment reflects the very best of what family day care has to offer,” Mr Paterson said.
This year, the awards received almost 5000 nominations.
