Residents in the Wyndham region are being encouraged by Member for Werribee to nominate an outstanding early childhood teacher or organisation for a Victorian Early Years Award.

Now in their 14th year, the Victorian Early Years Awards recognise the crucial work early childhood professionals do towards improving the lives of young children.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas MP today encouraged families, early childhood professionals and early years support organisations to nominate themselves or others who are dedicated to helping young children to learn and thrive.

Award winners in each category will receive up to $15,000 to continue their exceptional work in kindergartens, schools, local councils, maternal child and health services and other early years organisations across the state.

The awards celebrate the achievements and commitment of early childhood professionals across seven award categories, including supporting parents, transition to school and the early childhood teacher of the year.

Early childhood is the foundation for lifelong wellbeing and learning, which is why the Victorian Government is committed to strengthening the services delivered to children and their families.

Making Victoria the Education State starts with the early years. This is why, in an Australian first, the Victorian Government is investing almost $5 billion over the next decade to deliver a full 15 hours per week of three-year-old kindergarten, to be progressively rolled out from 2020.

Nominations close at midnight on 24 May 2019. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the National Gallery of Victoria in October. For more information or to submit a nomination, see: www.education.vic.gov.au/veya

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“Wyndham is home to many passionate and caring early childhood teachers and educators, and exceptional early years services.”

“The Victorian Early Years Awards are a well-deserved opportunity to celebrate the people, organisations and services that help Victorian children to get the best start in life.”