SA launches awards and support program for early childhood educators

Nominations are now open for South Australia’s inaugural Flying Start Early Childhood Awards, recognising educators, leaders and services working to improve outcomes for young children.

The awards form part of the South Australian Government’s broader Flying Start reforms, which include the rollout of three-year-old preschool across the state.

The awards will celebrate individuals and services across a range of categories, including outstanding leaders, teachers and educators, service-based quality improvement and a dedicated award recognising an Aboriginal individual or service that has strengthened outcomes for communities. 

The announcement comes alongside a new $2.5 million professional development program, Enhancing Quality, which will support early childhood educators and teachers delivering three-year-old preschool. 

The program will focus on three areas: educational program and practice, relationships with children, and leadership and governance. Services are expected to receive funding from the start of 2027, with additional investment directed to areas of greatest need, including regional, remote and lower socio-economic communities. 

The government said the awards and professional development program were designed to lift the profile and professional standing of the early childhood workforce, while strengthening the quality of preschool delivery.

The initiative builds on $10.9 million already committed to support South Australia’s early childhood education workforce, including the Flying Start Pathways Program, which supports students to complete qualifications through tailored guidance and career support. 

South Australian Minister for Education Lucy Hood said investment in early childhood must include investment in the workforce delivering it.

“When we invest in early childhood, we must also invest in the people who deliver it,” Ms Hood said.

Office for Early Childhood Development Chief Executive Kim Little said the awards would recognise the contribution of educators and services working to improve outcomes for children.

Finalists will be announced on Early Childhood Educators’ Day on 2 September, with the Flying Start Early Childhood Awards event to follow in October.

Nominate here.