Excellence on show in C&K 2022 Innovation Awards

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider C&K has announced the winners of its 2022 Excellence and Innovation Awards, with recipients recognised for their exceptional practice and efforts to fulfil the organisation’s vision, where every child flourishes.

 

“There were many inspiring applications this year with winners selected from across C&K’s 338 kindergartens and childcare centres in the categories of Pedagogy and Practice; Children, Families and Community; Exceptional People; Kaizen (Japanese for ‘improvement’ or ‘change for the better’); and, Leadership and Advocacy,” said Chief Operating Officer Kim Davis.

 

Given the fact that it has been another challenging year in the ECEC sector, Chief People Officer Paula Holden continued, the provider wanted to ensure the awards recognised the commitment and dedication of its exceptional workforce, introducing an additional award in each category – one for continuous improvement and another for exceptional practice.

 

Early Childhood Teacher Louise Stallard, Co-Director and Educational Leader at C&K Forestview Community Kindergarten in Bundaberg, was a dual award winner, being recognised for exceptional practice in Leadership and Advocacy and being named as the overall winner of the MTA Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care.

 

“I’m a passionate educator and adore inspiring and mentoring peers in the industry (sic.) to see the possibilities in their teaching and connections with children, families and community,” Ms Stallard said. 

 

“It is an absolute privilege to support children on their learning journey to be curious about their

community, country and world, to learn about different perspectives and that we are part of an interconnected world that requires our care, connection and respect for a sustainable future,” she said.

 

“It’s a proud moment to see so much rich practice taking place in C&K centres,” added CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman. 

 

“Children come first in everything we do at C&K, and these award submissions showcased genuine partnerships with children, families and local communities; exceptional practice in inclusion and care; respect of diverse cultures, challenging thinking and advocating for the environment. This is what high-quality early learning looks like when we nurture and inspire children to succeed, it’s truly something to celebrate!”

 

The 2022 winners were as follows: 

 

• Overall winner: MTA Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney AO Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care: Louise Stallard, Co-Director and Educational Leader at C&K Forestview Community Kindergarten.  

• Pedagogy and Practice: 

 

Exceptional Practice – C&K Ripley Childcare Centre (Kindergarten team) 

 

Continuous Improvement – C&K Caboolture Kindergarten

 

• Children, families and community: 

 

Exceptional Practice – C&K Wilston Childcare Centre 

 

Continuous Improvement – West Moreton Community Kindergarten 

 

• Exceptional people 

 

Exceptional Practice – Kylie Goodwin, C&K Marian Community Kindergarten

 

Continuous Improvement – Carly Smith, C&K Kuluin Community Kindergarten 

 

• Kaizen 

 

Exceptional Practice – C&K Coolum Childcare Centre

 

Continuous Improvement – C&K Wynnum Manly Kindergarten

 

• Leadership and Advocacy 

 

Exceptional Practice –  Louise Stallard, C&K Forestview Community Kindergarten 

 

Continuous Improvement – C&K Gabbinbar Community Kindergarten 

 

Dr Cheeseman said she was particularly impressed with the professionalism and passion that shone through in each of the award submissions.

 

“I am proud to be part of the C&K team with people who bring joy and exceptional skills to their roles each day, and I congratulate all the 2022 winners for their outstanding efforts,” she said.

 

Award sponsors Modern Teaching Aids, HESTA, Cos, Storypark and Childcare Now were thanked for their generous support of the awards. Ms Stallard is pictured (green dress) with her coworkers.