A big winner at last year's Victorian Early Years Awards is encouraging people in the early childhood education care sector to nominate for the 2020 awards.
The Victorian Early Years Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions individuals and services make to improve the learning and development of young children and their families.
Leanne Mits, who was named Early Childhood Teacher of the Year at the 2019 awards, said the awards were a great way to promote excellent work happening across the sector.
'I encourage others to consider nominating so that the excellent work of the early childhood education sector, and the rich diversity of programs and services, are celebrated and given the acknowledgement they deserve,' she said.
Leanne was recognised for her work in the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan at Pope Road Kindergarten in Melbourne's eastern suburb of Blackburn.
She strongly believes in connecting children with the history, culture and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Leanne said winning Early Childhood Teach of the Year allowed her to further develop this important work.
'The award money has enabled me to plan for professional learning experiences in remote parts of Australia to inform and progress our kindergarten's reconciliation journey,' Leanne said.
'I am also hoping to learn from early childhood education experiences in other countries including Scotland and Sweden.'
'I have valued and grown from the opportunities for learning, advocacy and professional, political and community connections my early years award has brought.'
More information
To find out more about the awards, including nominating in one of seven award categories, visit the Victorian Early Years Awards 2020 web page.
Nominations are open until Monday 6 July 2020.