South Australia’s early childhood educators are set to be recognised for the vital role they play in shaping young lives, with nominations now open for the inaugural Flying Start Early Childhood Awards.
The new awards program will celebrate the educators, teachers, leaders and services helping give South Australian children the best possible start in life, while also raising the profile of a sector at the heart of the state’s ambitious early childhood reforms.
The awards form part of the State Government’s broader Flying Start agenda and come alongside a new $2.5 million professional development initiative designed to strengthen the skills of educators delivering three-year-old preschool programs across the state.
Categories will recognise outstanding leaders, teachers, educators and services demonstrating excellence in key areas of early childhood education. A dedicated award will also celebrate an Aboriginal individual or service that has made a significant contribution to improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and communities.
Minister for Education, Training and Skills Lucy Hood, “We’re recognising the educators, leaders and services going above and beyond for South Australian children and families.
“The passion, care and dedication shaping the future of early childhood education in our state is more important than ever as our Government fast-tracks delivery of three-year-old preschool.”
The announcement comes as the state prepares to roll out the Enhancing Quality program, a new professional development initiative that will support educators and teachers working in partner preschools as part of the state’s landmark $1.9 billion Flying Start reforms.
The program will focus on three key areas, including educational program and practice, relationships with children, and leadership and governance. The aim is to improve developmental outcomes for children while supporting staff with opportunities to build their skills and careers.
Access to professional development has traditionally been a challenge for many educators, particularly in regional and remote areas, and the new initiative seeks to address that gap.
Services participating in the program are expected to receive funding from the beginning of 2027, with additional support directed towards communities experiencing greater levels of disadvantage and workforce shortages.
The investment builds on the Government’s existing $10.9 million commitment to strengthening the early childhood workforce, including the Flying Start Pathways Program, which helps students complete qualifications through tailored support and career guidance.
Office for Early Childhood Development Chief Executive Kim Little said, “These awards recognise the outstanding commitment and talents of our early childhood champions who are vital to improving outcomes for children and reducing the number of children entering school with developmental vulnerabilities.
“Enhancing Quality will provide professional development support for South Australia’s early childhood workforce, helping improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for young children.”
South Australians can now nominate an educator, leader, teacher or service for the Flying Start Early Childhood Awards. Finalists will be announced on Early Childhood Educators’ Day on September 2nd, before winners are celebrated at an awards event the following month.
With three-year-old preschool continuing to roll out across the state, the awards are set to become an annual opportunity to recognise the people helping shape the next generation of South Australians.
