A chance to include the cooks on Early Childhood Educators’ Day

September 4 is Early Childhood Educators’ Day, and in 2024, the theme centres on diversity and inclusion.

Unfortunately when it comes to celebrating the ECEC workforce, cooks are often forgotten, despite having one of the most challenging roles in an ECEC service. 

From juggling allergies and cultural differences through to the range of diets which include preferences for certain foods above others, compliance and regulation based restrictions and sensory and behavioural elements to consider, cooks have a lot on their plate – no pun intended. 

The many challenges faced by this often overlooked element of the ECEC workforce has prompted Oscar Care Group to encourage the broader sector to “take their hats off” to the chefs, cooks and educators within ECEC services who keep children fed and happy. 

“On Early Childhood Educators’ Day, we want to show off some of the amazing food on offer at your childcare (sic.) centre,” Oscar Care Group said.  

“It’s our way of saying thank you for the hard work your team does with a little free publicity.”

Oscar Care Group is giving ECEC services of all types and sizes the chance to “show off” their good work, share some information about the best food they serve, and show a little love and appreciation for their cooking team. 

The group will then showcase submissions received on its website, social media and emails on September 4, 2024 – Early Childhood Educators’ Day.

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“You’re welcome to include a description of the dishes, celebrate the chefs or educators who make or serve them, or include stories or quotes from the children too,” the Group noted

Services are able to make a submission to be included until 10am on Monday, 2 September. 

To learn more, or to make a submission, please see here.