South Australia’s Flying Start Early Childhood Awards celebrate excellence across the sector

South Australia’s Flying Start Early Childhood Awards recognise the educators, leaders, services and organisations making a meaningful difference in the lives of young children and families. As the state progresses significant early childhood reforms, the awards highlight the expertise, dedication and impact of the people behind quality early learning.

South Australia is celebrating the individuals and organisations shaping the future of early childhood education with the launch of the 2026 Flying Start Early Childhood Awards.

Led by the South Australian Government’s Office for Early Childhood Development, the awards recognise excellence across the early childhood sector and celebrate those contributing to children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

The initiative forms part of South Australia’s broader Flying Start reforms, including the introduction of universal three-year-old preschool, and aims to highlight the important role early childhood professionals play in supporting children, families and communities.

High-quality early childhood education and care is built on the knowledge, relationships and commitment of the professionals working with children every day.

The Flying Start Early Childhood Awards recognise contributions from across the broader early childhood system, including:

• early childhood education and care services
• preschool settings
• Aboriginal organisations
• allied health professionals
• community organisations.

This broad approach reflects the many people and services that contribute to positive outcomes for children during the early years.

The awards provide an opportunity to showcase the work happening across South Australia’s early childhood sector.

They aim to recognise:

• high-quality teaching and learning practices
• leadership and innovation
• inclusive approaches that support all children
• strong connections with families and communities
• initiatives that improve outcomes for children.

Whether through everyday interactions, service leadership or community partnerships, the awards highlight the positive impact early childhood professionals have on children’s lives.

The 2026 Flying Start Early Childhood Awards timeline includes:

• 31 July 2026 (5:00pm): Nominations close
• August 2026: Judging period
• 2 September 2026: Finalists announced, aligning with Early Childhood Educators’ Day
• 14 October 2026: Awards ceremony

The nomination period provides an opportunity for services, colleagues, families and communities to recognise outstanding contributions across the sector.

Award recipients will receive funding designed to support ongoing improvement and professional development.

Funding can contribute towards opportunities such as:

• professional learning
• initiatives supporting children and families
• community engagement activities
• resources that strengthen quality practice.

This approach ensures recognition extends beyond celebration by supporting continued growth and innovation.

The awards are open to a wide range of contributors across the early childhood sector.

Nominations may recognise:

• individuals
• teams
• services
• providers
• organisations supporting children and families.

Self-nominations are also accepted, providing professionals with an opportunity to share their own achievements and impact.

The launch of the Flying Start Early Childhood Awards comes during a significant period of change and investment in South Australia’s early childhood system.

As access expands and expectations continue to evolve, recognising the workforce behind these reforms is essential.

Awards such as these help:

• strengthen professional identity
• celebrate quality practice
• share examples of innovation
• promote community understanding of early childhood education
• acknowledge the skill and expertise of educators and leaders.

Early childhood professionals play a critical role in shaping children’s earliest experiences.

They build relationships, create safe and engaging environments, partner with families and support children to develop confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

The Flying Start Early Childhood Awards provide an opportunity to recognise this work and celebrate the people and organisations helping South Australian children have the strongest possible start.

Download the nomination guide here.