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Care for Kids campaign helps educators feel valued and seen during tough times
Freya Lucas
Jul 11, 2023
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Working in early childhood education and care (ECEC) is a career path like no other. No two days are the same, and when educators, leaders, support staff and families walk in the door, the best laid plans often walk out!
The highs - like supporting children to learn something new, watching them grow and develop into confident children, ready for the world of ‘big school’ and helping to shape the way they view the world - are simply not available in any other job.While there can be tricky days too, everyone who works in the ECEC sector understands that it takes a village to raise a child, and that being part of that village is an enormous privilege.
To help other ‘villagers’ to say a great big THANK YOU to ECEC professionals, Care for Kids has been running a Thank You Educators campaign, which will see six deserving educators from around Australia win a luxury weekend away.
As well as the amazing prize pool on offer, the Care for Kids team hopes the campaign will open up the conversation about the incredible contribution the ECEC sector makes not only to parents and families, but to society as a whole.
“Early learning services are more than centres that we use to leave our children for the day so we can work,” Care for Kids CEO Ash Sachdev said. “And early learning educators are more than just people who look after our children. It's more than minding. Its education. These exceptional humans, no matter what else is going on in their lives, show up every day to watch over, educate and help your children thrive in ways that they only know how.”
The campaign closes July 30, and has already received an incredible 5,858 responses from parents, fellow ECEC professionals and the broader community, showcasing the dedication, passion and professionalism of the sector as a whole.
Mum Jessica nominated her child’s educator Katie, from Goodstart Almara Street, saying “Katie genuinely cares for and nurtures my child. She shares excitement and interest in Neave’s development, and is so wonderful at communicating with us. Neave is in childcare full time, and both parents work full time, so it is easy to feel like you miss out on new milestones for your child. Katie always keeps us updated and shares photos and videos whenever possible, so I’ve never felt like I’ve missed out. I know my daughter is cared for when I’m not there and that has been a great comfort for me, and important for my daughter’s development. Thank you Katie!"
Dad Reece is delighted by the care that his son receives from Miss Effy at Bluebird EED Roseville, saying “you can tell she really cares about the children and is constantly giving insightful feedback on my son. The main thing you want when it comes to an educator or teacher is that they really care and enjoy their job. It's very evident she does!"
Lots of little moments caught the eye of nominators, from the food children are served to the excursions they go on in the community. Educators were noticed for being fun, creative, organised and brave.
“We know that saying 'Thank You,' won't solve every challenge faced by these indispensable professionals,” Mr Sachdev said, “yet it goes a long way to show that we see them, we hear them, and we value each and every one of them.”
In the final weeks of the campaign the Care for Kids team hopes that families, ECEC professionals and community members will go all out with their nominations, and show the ECEC sector just how special they really are.
Winners of the luxury weekends will be announced in early August, with all those who made a nomination going into the draw to win a $500 VISA gift card.
For children who want to be involved in the nomination process, or who simply want to show their educators that they care, there is a special colouring sheet which can be uploaded here for their chance to win a $250 FUNDAY Sweets voucher.
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