The winners in each category of the Child Care Awards were announced at an awards ceremony in Melbourne on 8th May.  Congratulations to:

• Coryl Reis, Child Care Worker of the Year
• Suzanne Barry, Children’s Service Director of the Year
• Midson Road Child Care Centre, Children’s Service of the Year

Each national winner received $1000 of industry training, $500 of Fisher-Price toys, a $770 Catholic Super Fund Full Financial Plan, a crystal trophy to commemorate their achievement as well as a personal pamper package including a Chuan Spa beauty treatment and Thalgo beauty products.

Congratulations also to the four State Winners:

• Kelly Carter, South Australian Child Care Worker of the Year
• Nancy Frater, Victorian Child Care Worker of the Year
• Emma French, Queensland Child Care Worker of the Year
• Coryl Reis, New South Wales Child Care Worker of the Year
• Sharon Miller, Western Australian Child Care Worker of the Year

Child Care Worker of the Year

Coryl Reis, Timbertown Child Care Centre, Wauchope, NSW

Coryl is a qualified child care worker at Timbertown Childcare Centre where she has worked for the last 8 years.  Currently studying for her bachelor of teaching, Coryl is highly committed to her role as a carer and to offering individualised care for every child.

Coryl’s commitment to one particular child with Down’s Syndrome has set her apart from other carers.

Not only is Coryl warm, loving and helpful, but she is so highly enthusiastic and dedicated that she learnt and implemented throughout the entire child care centre a system of sign language. This has enabled a child who was previously virtually unable to communicate, to have the skills to communicate with her primary carer Coryl, other centre staff, children and her own family.

Coryl’s dedication and devotion has drastically improved this one child’s quality and enjoyment of life and that of her family.

Coryl Reis is a shining example of the passionate, yet humble carer whose absolute dedication deeply touches the lives of all the children she cares for.  Her care is all encompassing – involving each child’s family and the whole child care centre in their care.  Her nomination stood out for many reasons, but particularly for the depth of her dedication to her profession and devotion to her children.

Children’s Service Director of the Year

Suzanne Barry, Gap Community Child Care, Alice Springs, NT

Sue took over Gap Community Child Care Centre at a time when it was in crisis, suffering financial mismanagement and poor governance which threatened to close the doors of this valuable community service.

Sue’s professionalism saw the centre go from its lowest point to a vibrant, dynamic and accredited centre enjoyed by both families and staff.  Her diligence in seeking funding was rewarded with the upgrade of equipment and facilities, she implemented strict policies to protect the health and safety of the children, and she maintains active networks with a range of services in Alice Springs for the benefit of all staff, families and children.

Very focused on finding and keeping the best staff for the centre, Sue has implemented study incentives, rewards, and has created a sense of teamwork focused on providing the best child care possible.

As well, she is committed to the wellbeing of every individual child at the centre and is commended for her courage in putting the welfare of children first.

Children’s Service of the Year

Midson Road Child Care Centre, Epping, NSW

The staff at Midson Road work together as a cohesive team, and believe that good child care is not a replacement for the care of a family, but rather, is a complementary and supportive service for families.

The centre has a philosophy of “whole family” care.  The challenges that a family is faced with are not seen as separate to the challenges they face as an organisation.  Sharing in the growth and development of a child, means sharing in the growth of that family, including the tough times.

The directors at Midson Road, Nesha O’Neil and Melinda Ellis, work very hard to foster strong relationships within the team of staff.  Regular training, morale building through daily support and care, recognition through awards, rewards and thank you’s is all planned and undertaken regularly.  As well, they enjoy a strong social network.  The strength of the team is reflected by the long tenure of staff, resulting in continuity of care for children – the ultimate goal of a strong team.

Queensland Child Care Worker of the Year

Emma French, Tadpoles Early Learning Centre

Emma is a qualified child care worker who has dedicated over 20 years to working in child care.  What sets Emma apart from others is her dedication to childcare in general, and the enjoyment she receives from encouraging children to grow physically, socially, intellectually and emotionally.  She is an extremely creative carer who looks and works outside the box in developing activities for the children in her room.

Emma is extremely supporting and encouraging of her peers and is a wonderful communicator who develops close relationships with parents.  She has won many parents’ hearts with her passion, commitment and willingness to do more than just a job. 

South Australian Child Care Worker of the Year

Kelly Carter, Salisbury Campus Child Care Centre

Perhaps the clearest insight into Kelly’s amazing powers as a child care worker, is the serenity of the babies’ room she is in charge of.  Rather than a room from whence comes crying and the occasional scream, Kelly’s babies room is a quiet haven where peace reigns!  The reason for this is Kelly’s remarkable ability to pre-empt the babies’ needs and to encourage the other staff in this also.

Kelly is always quick to support families who may be struggling and is very perceptive to their needs.  She has gone above and beyond for families, including looking after children overnight, picking children up from home to ensure they can make it into care that day.  Her communication and relationship building skills are outstanding, and as a young woman is a wonderful role model for others entering the industry.

Victorian Child Care Worker of the Year

Nancy Frater, Monash Family Day Care

This month, Nancy celebrates her 30th year as a family day care carer.  Over this time, Nancy has cared for hundreds of children and their families.

Her care embraces the entire family not just the child.  This care has often meant Nancy going well beyond the call of duty to provide a solid, consistent and dependable source of love and caring for individual children and families in times of crisis.  She has been “on call” for families on many occasions, ensuring the safety and security of all family members.

Nancy strongly believes it is important to encourage and develop a love of language in children, and school readiness is one of her passions.

Proud of being a carer, Nancy is President of the Victorian Home Based Carers Association.  She is a strong advocate for carer rights, and has represented carers at interstate forums and provides support for country family day care schemes.  She also plays a prominent role in her local carer support group.

Western Australian Child Care Worker of the Year

Sharon Miller, Sharon’s Family Day Care

Sharon has an amazing sense of community and works hard to bring her family day care families (including her own family) together to share that spirit of community.  She encourages parents to participate in all aspects of the care setting, welcoming them in to share in their child’s day and watch them interacting.

Sharon works collaboratively with families to problem solve and cares for the whole family rather than just the child in isolation.  In helping families, she empowers parents without being judgemental – providing subtle messages which are clearly delivered.  Her fundamental concern is for that of the child’s health and safety and caters individually to each parent to help them become more effective as parents.

Nominator Prize Winner

Nearly 1,100 nominations were received in this year’s awards and there was an exceptionally high standard.  Congratulations to each and every nominee and thank you to everybody who sent in a nomination.  Without the people who care enough to nominate, the Child Care Awards simply would not happen!  Every nominee will shortly receive a certificate to recognise the value of their care.

Congratulations to the winner of the Nominator Prize:  Liz Formby, of Portland, Victoria.

She said the rest of Australia needs to know that “Child Care is a vital and often overlooked part of our society.  We need to ensure these workers are care for professionally and financially so the highest quality people see this career as viable and important.”

Liz has won $1,000 of Fisher-Price toys!