Australians encouraged to say thank you on Early Childhood Educators Day

The Queensland branch of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) is encouraging all Australians to take a moment today and say ‘thank you’ to those who work in early childhood.

 

Early Childhood Educators Day is an annual celebration which acknowledges the work of early learning specialists and the significant contribution they make to the lives of children and families.

 

Founded in 2011 by ACA Qld, Early Childhood Educators Day is now an internationally recognised opportunity for reflection and celebration.

 

“We started celebrating Early Childhood Educators Day in 2011 with around 400 centres throughout Queensland and a handful of participants in other states,” ACA Qld President Majella Fitzsimmons explained.

 

“We’re thrilled and humbled to see it’s now celebrated right across Australia as well as in Japan, Canada, Ireland, and England.”

 

This year, more than 5000 services are participating across Australia and 1225 in Queensland alone, with the day a wonderful opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the special people who look after our youngest citizens.

 

ACA Qld board member and Little Scholars School of Early Learning founder Jae Fraser said that “many people don’t fully grasp the importance of early childhood education. These people are responsible for developing foundational skills in children, including language, literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and critical thinking. These skills are essential for lifelong learning and success.”

 

“Additionally, early childhood educators help develop a child’s interpersonal skills such as sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution, which are crucial for their future interactions,” he said, encouraging parents, community members, fellow professionals and indeed all Australian’s to step up and say thank you.

 

“For ACA Queensland, this year’s Early Childhood Educators Day is all about celebrating the diversity of the early childhood education workforce and warmly encouraging people of all walks of life to join our sector,” Ms Fitzsimmons added.

 

“Whether you’re male or female, from a diverse background or a foreign country- if you have an interest in early childhood education, we encourage you to join (us).”

 

With abundant opportunities to have study fully or partially paid for, 2024 is a wonderful time to embark on a career in early learning. 

 

“ACA Qld is currently supporting nearly 60 students to receive a Bachelor’s Degree or Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and there are various rural and remote programs currently running,” Ms Fitzsimmons said.

 

“(Some) Early childhood education workers are receiving a fifteen per cent above award wage increase over two years with 10 per cent in December 2024 and a further five per cent in December 25, so now is the perfect time to get qualified.” 

 

Learn more about Early Childhood Educators Day here.