STAFF WRITERS
MOE Heights Preschool teacher Jacinta Anderson has been honoured with the Minister’s Award.
The Minister’s Award is a special commendation selected from a pool of finalists across nine categories in the Victorian Early Years Awards.
The awards recognises the outstanding people and programs that support and nurture the youngest Victorians.
Ms Anderson is dedicated to the education and wellbeing of young children, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds and children with additional needs.
With high levels of socio-economic disadvantage and vulnerability in the Moe community, including trauma, family violence and poverty, Ms Anderson strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone is supported with programs adapted to each child’s developmental stage.
By utilising trauma-informed practices and providing children with innovative, hands-on experiences that develop learning and knowledge, Ms Anderson ensures every effort is made to meet the children’s needs and engage them through fun and fulfilling experiences.
Gippsland was also represented at the awards through Pauline Dent from Rosedale Uniting Early Learning.
Ms Dent was named Early Childhood Teacher of the Year for demonstrating innovative and excellent practice in early childhood education and care.
Rosedale Uniting Early Learning leads the sector in integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture into every area of learning, including play, arts and crafts, and language.
The kinder has made a positive impact on Koorie families with specialised staff training and partnerships with local elders who share their culture.
Minister for Children, Lizzie Blandthorn congratulated all winners.
“These awards celebrate the leadership, outstanding achievement and exemplary practice of Victoria’s early years professionals, whose skill and dedication gives every child the best start in life,” she said.
“This year’s finalists again exemplify the innovative work happening in the early years sector every day to support the health, wellbeing, learning and development of Victorian children.”
