Tomorrow Today Education Foundation recognised in Vic Early Years Awards

An early childhood program that is improving the lives of children in Benalla is being recognised and celebrated as being one of Victoria’s finest in the Victorian Early Years Awards.

Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, recently announced the Tomorrow Today Education Foundation as one of 20 Victorian Early Years Awards finalists, who are being recognised for their outstanding contributions to the early childhood education sector across the state.

The Tomorrow Today Education Foundation delivers Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP) in Benalla to improve outcomes for local children. PEEP originates from the United Kingdom, and is tailored specifically for families experiencing disadvantage, to support them as their child’s first and most important educator. 

Parents/carers commit to attending at least one term of a weekly facilitated playgroup, in which songs, rhymes, stories and creative play are used to promote pre-literacy and numeracy skills. Children and parents also use this opportunity to socialise with other families.

The program is a collaborative, community effort, with over 60 partners, referrers and volunteers playing a role in its creation and delivery. During 2018, 15 sessions were delivered per week, attended by 222 families with 290 children.

Tomorrow Today is in the running to receive up to $15,000 to continue its work, with the awards celebrating the achievements and commitment of early childhood professionals across seven award categories, including supporting parents and the early childhood teacher of the year.

Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino said the Awards are a great opportunity to recognise early childhood professionals, and the inspiring work they do every day to set the youngest Victorians up for success in life.

For more information on the Awards, please see here.