Record number of nominations for 2024 Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards

The annual Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards, an initiative of the New South Wales branch of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA NSW) will run again in 2024, following an incredible 344 per cent increase in the number of nominations for the awards program. 

 

The Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards acknowledge programs, services, leaders, teams and trainees from the New South Wales long day care (LDC) sector. 

 

In 2024, the winners will be announced at a French themed Gala Celebration Dinner on 2 November at the Hyatt Regency, Sydney CBD. 

 

Finalists for the awards were made public last month, and have been listed in full below. 

 

Tickets for the awards are available via Precedent Productions by phoning (02) 8363 3333 or emailing [email protected] 

 

A higher-than-usual demand is anticipated, so ACA NSW recommends interested parties to secure tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

 

Finalists

 

Large Private Metropolitan Service

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All Star Early Learners (Botany, NSW)

Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Aurrum Kids (Penrith, NSW)

Bright Beginnings (Maitland, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Blacktown, NSW)

Cressy Early Learning (Ryde, NSW)

The Green Elephant Farm Early Learning and Preschool (Horsley Park, NSW)

HazelGrove Early Education Centre (Baulkham Hills, NSW)

Rise and Shine Kindergarten (Summer Hill, NSW)

The Green Elephant (Beaconsfield, NSW)

The Green Elephant Early Learning Centre (Waterloo, NSW)

Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)

Young Academics (Canterbury, NSW)

Young Academics (Riverstone, NSW)

Your Kids Our Kids (Chipping Norton, NSW)

 

Small Private Metropolitan Service

 

Bela Babes Early Learning (Artarmon, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (South Penrith, NSW)

Colour My World Children’s Centre (West Ryde & Ermington, NSW)

Kirrawee Child Care Centre (Kirrawee, NSW)

Milieu Early Education and Care (Condell Park, NSW)

Next Generation Kindergarten (Chester Hill, NSW)

Peacock Street LDC (Seaforth, NSW)

Young Academics Early Learning Centre (Woodcroft, NSW)

 

Community Metropolitan Service

 

Narrabeen Children’s Centre (Narrabeen, NSW)

Coast Community Connections – Coast Childcare Long Day Care (Woy Woy, NSW)

Randwick Open Care for Kids (Randwick, NSW)

 

Large Private Regional and Rural Service

 

3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

Happy Hearts Academy Early Learning Centre (Helensburgh, NSW)

Huntlee Early Learning Centre (Branxton, NSW)

Juniors Journey Early Education (Eglinton, NSW)

Little Miracles Preschool & Long Day Care (Niagara Park, NSW)

Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Liv2Learn Early Education (Thirlmere, NSW)

Mirabelle Early Learning Centre (Bangalow, NSW)

Wholechild Early Learning (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

Young Academics Early Learning Centre (Tahmoor, NSW)

 

Small Private Regional and Rural Service

 

Cambridge Hills Preschool (Rankin Park, NSW)

Imagine@ MacMasters Beach Early Learning Centre  (MacMasters Beach, NSW)

Milieu Early Education and Care (Oak Flats, NSW)

The Honey Tree Preschool (Bellbird, NSW)

 

Large Community Regional and Rural Service

 

Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre (Ashtonfield, NSW)

Kiddie Academy (Orange, NSW)

 

Small Community Regional and Rural Service 

 

Bathurst Little Learning Centre (South Bathurst, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Ulladulla Children’s Centre (Ulladulla, NSW)

 

Excellence in Educational Program and Practice

 

3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

All 4 Kids Kindergarten (Mulgoa, NSW)

All Star Early Learners (Botany, NSW)

Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Bela Babes Early Learning (Artarmon, NSW)

Bright Beginnings (Maitland, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Granville/Merrylands, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Liverpool, NSW)

Colour My World Children’s Centre (Ermington, NSW)

Colour My World Children’s Centre (West Ryde, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Happy Hearts Academy Early Learning Centre (Helensburgh, NSW)

HazelGrove Early Education Centre (Baulkham Hills, NSW)

Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre (Ashtonfield, NSW)

Joeys Preschool & Early Learning Centre (Dungog, NSW)

Little Miracles (Tuggerah, NSW)

Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Liv2Learn Early Education (Thirlmere, NSW)

Mama Bear Child Care Centre (Roseland, NSW)

Mi Kids Northern Beaches (Warriewood, NSW)

Next Generation Kindergarten (Chester Hill, NSW)

Only About Children (Cremorne, NSW)

The Green Elephant (Rosebery, NSW)

Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)

Young Academics Early Learning Centre (Pendle Hill, NSW)

 

Excellence in Environmental Program

 

3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service (Coffs Harbour, NSW)
All 4 Kids Kindergarten (Mulgoa, NSW)
All Star Early Learners (Botany, NSW)
Allambie Bush Kindy (Allambie Heights, NSW)
CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre (Campsie, NSW)
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Greystanes, NSW)
Federal Community Children’s Centre (Federal, NSW)
HazelGrove Early Education Centre (Baulkham Hills, NSW)
Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)
Little Wonders Early Educational Centre (Estella, NSW)
Liv2Learn Early Education (Thirlmere, NSW)
Mi Kids Northern Beaches (Warriewood, NSW)
Neutral Bay Kindergarten (Neutral Bay, NSW)
The Honey Tree Preschool (Bellbird, NSW)

 

Excellence in Partnerships with Families

 

3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

All Star Early Learners (Botany, NSW)

Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Aurrum Kids (Penrith, NSW)

Bela Babes Early Learning (Artarmon, NSW)

Bindook Cottage (Terrey Hills, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (South Penrith, NSW)

Colour My World Children’s Centre (Ermington, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

HazelGrove Early Education Centre (Baulkham Hills, NSW)

Hilltop Childcare Centre (Merrylands, NSW)

Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre (Astonfield, NSW)

Kookaburra Early Learning (Casino, NSW)

Little Wonders Early Educational Centre (Estella, NSW)

Liv2Learn Early Education (Thirlmere, NSW)

Mi Kids Northern Beaches (Warriewood, NSW)

Nicky’s Kids Town (Lane Cove West, NSW)

Sugarvalley Early Learning Centre (West Wallsend, NSW)

 

Excellence in community involvement

All Star Early Learners (Botany, NSW)

CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre (Hurstville, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Ryde, NSW)

Explore & Develop (Leichhardt, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Imagine@ MacMasters Beach Early Learning Centre (MacMasters Beach, NSW)

Joeys Preschool & Early Learning Centre (Dungog, NSW)

Junior Einsteins Nurturing Centre Shell Heights (Dunmore, NSW)

Kookaburra Early Learning (Casino, NSW)

Narrabeen Children’s Centre (Narrabeen, NSW)

Neutral Bay Kindergarten (Neutral Bay, NSW)

Oakville Preschool Learning Centre (Oakville, NSW)

Papa Bear Child Care Centre (Miranda, NSW)

Peacock Street LDC (Seaforth, NSW)

Pied Piper Preschool (Wallerawang, NSW)

Rise and Shine Kindergarten (Summer Hill, NSW)

Scribbles & Giggles Childcare Centre (Leppington, NSW)

Sugarvalley Early Learning Centre (West Wallsend, NSW)

The Honey Tree Preschool (Bellbird, NSW)

Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)

Young Academics (Tallawong, NSW)

 

Excellence in inclusivity practices

 

All Star Early Learners (Botany, NSW)

Bonnyrigg Early Learning Centre (Bonnyrigg, NSW)

Bright Beginnings (Maitland, NSW)

Discovery Early Education and Care Centre (Thrumster, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Goodstart Early Learning (Tuggerah, NSW)

Little Wonders Early Educational Centre (Turvey Park, NSW)

Mi Kids Northern Beaches (Warriewood, NSW)

Scribbles & Giggles Childcare Centre (Leppington, NSW)

Sutherland Shire Council Children’s Services (Sutherland, NSW)

 

Excellence in Children’s Wellbeing & Health

 

Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Bela Babes Early Learning (Artarmon, NSW)

Bradman Road Early Education Centre (Menai, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Greystanes, NSW)

Colour My World Children’s Centre (West Ryde, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

HazelGrove Early Education Centre (Baulkham Hills, NSW)

Junior Einsteins (Flinders, NSW)

Kirrawee Child Care Centre (Kirrawee, NSW)

Kookaburra Early Learning (Casino, NSW)

Peacock Street LDC (Seaforth, NSW)

Tiny Feet Preschool & Long Day Care (Lidcombe, NSW)

 

Excellence in Food & Nutrition

 

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Merrylands, NSW)

Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori (Quakers Hill, NSW)

Kookaburra Early Learning (Casino, NSW)

Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Milieu Early Education and Care (Oak Flats, NSW)

Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)

Ulladulla Children’s Centre (Ulladulla, NSW)

Young Academics (Box Hill, NSW)

Young Academics (Westmead, NSW)

 

Excellence in Multicultural Program

 

Bela Babes Early Learning (Artarmon, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Liverpool, NSW)

Devonshire Street Children’s Centre (Chatswood, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

HazelGrove Early Education Centre (Baulkham Hills, NSW)

Junior Einsteins (Blackbutt, NSW)

Kookaburra Early Learning (Casino, NSW)

Oakville Preschool Learning Centre (Oakville, NSW)

 

Excellence in Food & Menu Design

 

3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

Colour My World Children’s Centre (West Ryde, NSW)

Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori (Quakers Hill, NSW)

Junior Einsteins Nurturing Centre Shell Heights (Dunmore, NSW)

Milieu Early Education and Care (Condell Park, NSW)

Milieu Early Education and Care (Oak Flats, NSW)

Sutherland Shire Council Children’s Services (Sutherland, NSW)

 

Excellence in Australian History and Culture

 

3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Granville, NSW)

Colour My World Children’s Centre (Ermington, NSW)

Cressy Early Learning (Ryde, NSW)

Fauna Place Early Education Centre (Sutherland, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

HazelGrove Early Education Centre (Baulkham Hills, NSW)

Neutral Bay Kindergarten (Neutral Bay, NSW)

Oakville Preschool Learning Centre (Oakville, NSW)

 

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care

 

Chloe Foster, Bright Beginnings (Maitland, NSW)

Asma Niyaz, Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Blacktown, NSW)

Teagan Cox, Happy Hearts Academy Early Learning Centre (Helensburgh, NSW)

Amelia Slomka, Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Charly Duff, Liv2Learn Early Education (Thirlmere, NSW)

Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care

Teara Mavroforas, Aurrum Kids (Penrith, NSW)

Maddison Teat, Bright Beginnings (Maitland, NSW)

Schae Gardner, Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (South Penrith, NSW)

Brooke Kingston, Kiddie Academy (Orange, NSW)

Marina Ellem, Little Miracles (Niagara Park, NSW)

Jessica Moran-Kernaghan, Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Angelina Bainou, Young Academics Early Learning Centre (Harris Park, NSW)

 

Team Excellence Award – Metropolitan Service

 

Bela Babes Early Learning (Artarmon, NSW)

Bright Beginnings (Maitland, NSW)

CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre (St Leonards, NSW)

Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Liverpool, NSW)

Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori (Quakers Hill, NSW)

Devonshire Street Children’s Centre (Chatswood, NSW)

Milieu Early Education and Care (Condell Park, NSW)

Oakville Preschool Learning Centre (Oakville, NSW)

Only About Children (Cremorne, NSW)

Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)

Young Academic (Tallawong, NSW)

 

Team Excellence Award – Regional/Rural Service

 

3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

Bossy Boots Early Learning (Kingsclif, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Gumnut Kidz (Narellan, NSW)

Happy Hearts Academy Early Learning Centre (Helensburgh, NSW)

Jenny’s Kindergarten (Bathurst, NSW)

Kiddie Academy (Orange, NSW)

Little Coast Kids Northlakes (San Remo, NSW)

Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Liv2Learn Early Education (Thirlmere, NSW)

Millthorpe Little Learning Centre (Millthorpe, NSW)

Ulladulla Children’s Centre (Ulladulla, NSW)

 

Employer Excellence Award

 

Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Bela Babes Early Learning (Artarmon, NSW)

Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori (Quakers Hill, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Handprints ELC (Turramurra, NSW)

Happy Hearts Academy Early Learning Centre (Helensburgh, NSW)

Joeys Preschool & Early Learning Centre (Dungog, NSW)

Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Milieu Early Education and Care (Condell Park, NSW)

Milieu Early Education and Care (Oak Flats, NSW)

Millthorpe Little Learning Centre (Millthorpe, NSW)

Oakville Preschool Learning Centre (Oakville, NSW)

 

Female Educator Excellence Award

 

Chrystal-Anne Ciappara, All 4 Kids Kindergarten (Mulgoa, NSW)
Cassie Northey, Aurrum Kids (Penrith, NSW)
Wendy Xu, CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre (Campsie, NSW)
Kate Nolan, Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Blacktown, NSW)
Miranda Brown, Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Merrylands, NSW)
Rajwinder Dadwal, Colour My World Children’s Centre (Ermington, NSW)
Trang Nguyen, Colour My World Children’s Centre (West Ryde, NSW)
Yuki Takahashi Braybrook, Devonshire Street Children’s Centre (Chatswood, NSW)
Georgia Dawson, Explore & Develop (Leichhardt, NSW)
Montana Simms, Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)
Narelle van Vliet, Goodstart Early Learning (Muswellbrook, NSW)
Kristy Morrison, Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre (Astonfield, NSW)
Mikayla Christie, Little Miracles (Niagara Park, NSW)
Amber Henry, Milieu Early Education and Care (Oak Flats, NSW)
Lauren Seton, Pied Piper Preschool (Wallerawang, NSW)
Monique Millmore, Pied Piper Preschool (Wallerawang, NSW)
Mel Imaks, The Green Elephant (Beaconsfield, NSW)
Hayley Neville, Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)
Christe Uriarte, Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)
Tish Condie, Ulladulla Children’s Centre (Ulladulla, NSW)
Caitlin Butt, Wiggles and Giggles (Dural, NSW)

 

Male Educator Excellence Award

 

Spyro Skoulogenis, All 4 Kids Kindergarten (Mulgoa, NSW)

Lin Bai, Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Joey Alcin, Aurrum Kids (Penrith, NSW)

James Williamson, Bright Beginnings (Maitland, NSW)

Ryan Duke, Goodstart (Muswellbrook, NSW)

Bradley Campbell, Pied Piper Preschool (Wallerawang, NSW)

Marcio Rezende, The Green Elephant (Rosebery, NSW)

Balazs Bojtor, Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)

Vince Bonnici, Young Academics (Pendle Hill, NSW)

 

Educational Leader Excellence Award

 

Hannah Trompert, All 4 Kids Kindergarten (Mulgoa, NSW)

Yamile Florez Raigoza, Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Cassandra Green, Bindook Cottage (Terrey Hills, NSW)

Navjot Kaur, Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori (Quakers Hill, NSW)

Kristy Hyndes, Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Kristy-Lee Peterkin, Gumnut Kidz (Narellan, NSW)

Melissa Hunt, Huntlee ELC (Branxton, NSW)

Lara Allwood, Joeys Preschool & Early Learning Centre (Dungog, NSW)

Effie Olymbios, Papa Bear Child Care Centre (Miranda, NSW)

Kelly Bishop, Possums Early Learning Centre (Wagga Wagga, NSW)

Natalie Bieber, The Green Elephant Waterloo Early Learning Centre (Waterloo, NSW)

Lynne Graham, Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)

Brandi Lewis, Ulladulla Children’s Centre (Ulladulla, NSW)

Bianca Hockley, Young Academics (Marsden Park, NSW)

Sattin Wilkie, Young Academics (Rouse Hill, NSW)

 

Young Female Educator Excellence Award

 

Queenie Loh, Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Hannah Cauz, Aurrum Kids (Penrith, NSW)

Ella Totino, Bindook Cottage (Terrey Hills, NSW)

Lavinia Benjamin, Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre (Liverpool, NSW)

Elizabeth Eaton, Colour My World Children’s Centre (West Ryde, NSW)

Hannah Harland, Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Caprice Dawson, Goodstart Early Learning (Tuggerah, NSW)

Jess Kourembes, Gumnut Kidz (Narellan, NSW)

Madalyn Greentree, Joeys Preschool & Early Learning Centre (Dungog, NSW)

Caitlyn McDonald, Millthorpe Little Learning Centre (Millthorpe, NSW)

Noura Wehbi, Next Generation Kindergarten (Chester Hill, NSW)

Emilie Coffey, Young Academics (Woodcroft, NSW)

 

Young Male Educator Excellence Award

 

Steve Saba, Colour My World Children’s Centre (West Ryde, NSW)

Timothy Parkes, Jenny’s Kindergarten Emerald Hills (Leppington, NSW)

 

Service Support Person Excellence Award

 

Cesar Gomez, Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Louise Zivanovic, Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre

Ray Saba, Colour My World Children’s Centre (Ermington, NSW)

Rob Saba, Colour My World Children’s Centre (West Ryde, NSW)

Amber Bunter, Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Lisa Bosman, Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre (Astonfield, NSW)

Jessica Dixon, Little Wonders Early Educational Centre – (Turvey Park & Estella, NSW)

Tenneal Gerardis, Liv2Learn Early Education (Thirlmere, NSW)

Toni Doyle, Millthorpe Little Learning Centre (Millthorpe, NSW)

Shampa Biswas, The Green Elephant (Rosebery, NSW)

Stephen Paull, Toybox Early Learning (Mascot, NSW)

Vivian Merhab, Young Academics (Marsden Park, NSW)

 

Outcomes for Children (Birth-3 Years)

 

3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

Bright Beginnings (Maitland, NSW)

Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori (Quakers Hill, NSW)

HazelGrove Early Education Centre (Baulkham Hills, NSW)

Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Umina Child Care Centre (Umina Beach, NSW)

 

Outcomes for Children (Preschool)

 

3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

All Star Early Learners (Botany, NSW)

Bright Beginnings (Maitland, NSW)

Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori (Quakers Hill, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

HazelGrove Early Education Centre (Baulkham Hills, NSW)

Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Next Generation Kindergarten (Chester Hill, NSW)

 

Metropolitan Business Excellence Award

 

All 4 Kids Kindergarten (Mulgoa, NSW)

All Star Early Learners (Botany, NSW)

Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare (Glebe, NSW)

Birrahlee Preschool (Lane Cove, NSW)

Busy Bees at Georges Hall (Georges Hall, NSW)

CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre (St Leonards, NSW)

Children First – Balmoral Street Preschool (Blacktown, NSW)

Clever Cubs Early Learning Centre (Smithfield, NSW)

Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori (Quakers Hill, NSW)

Empower Early Learning Group (NSW)

Jenny’s Kindergarten & Early Learning (Gregory Hils, NSW)

Lighthouse Childcare (Homebush West, NSW)

Montessori Merrylands Child Care (Merrylands, NSW)

NextSense Preschool (Macquarie Park, NSW)

Oakville Preschool Learning Centre (Oakville, NSW)

Open Arms Early Education Centre (Ambravale, NSW)

Rainbow Child Care Centre (Narraweena, NSW)

Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre and Preschool (Northmead, NSW)

 

Large Regional/ Rural Business Excellence Award

 

Bowral Street Childcare (Bowral, NSW)

Happy Hearts Academy Early Learning Centre (Helensburgh, NSW)

Joeys Preschool & Early Learning Centre (Morpeth, NSW)

Little Treasures Childcare (Greta, NSW)

Liv2Learn Early Education (Thirlmere, NSW)

The Learning Terrace Child Care Centre & Preschool (Raymond Terrace, NSW)

Waratah Early Learning Centre (Orange, NSW)

Wholechild Early Learning (Coffs Harbour, NSW)

Woodport Early Learning Centre (Green Point, NSW)

 

Small Regional/ Rural Business Excellence Award

 

Cambridge Hills Preschool (Rankin Park, NSW)

Gilgandra Preschool (Gilgandra, NSW)

Gumnut Kidz (Narellan, NSW)

Imagine@ MacMasters Beach Early Learning Centre  (MacMasters Beach, NSW)

Millthorpe Little Learning Centre (Millthorpe, NSW)

Possums Early Learning Centre (Wagga Wagga, NSW)

Learn more about the Awards here.