Early Childhood Educators' Day (2 September) celebrates the important role that early learning professionals play in laying a strong foundation for a child's lifelong growth and development.
Educators deliver this support in a variety of early learning settings, including long day care, family day care, kindergarten, preschool and occasional care.
This year’s theme, ‘The Future Starts With Us,’ highlights how early learning is the first step in a child’s educational journey. Through their knowledge, care and dedication, early childhood educators support children’s wellbeing, confidence, curiosity and social development — helping prepare them for school and laying the foundations for lifelong learning.
To celebrate the day, we spoke with Kiralee Miller, Deputy Manager at Benevolent’s Acacia Ridge Early Years Centre and Kindergarten and Beaudesert Early Years Centre Kindergarten, and Bree Radford, Lead Educator at Acacia Ridge, about their work and the support their team delivers.
Supporting the people who support children
Behind every meaningful early learning experience is a team of educators who are themselves well supported. For Kiralee, this means creating the conditions for educators to communicate, learn from one another and give children and families consistent, high-quality support.
Working across Beaudesert Kindergarten and Acacia Ridge Long Day Care, Kiralee’s days span risk and compliance, staffing, family relationships and mentoring educators. At Acacia Ridge, she works alongside a team of 33 staff who deliver early learning and kindergarten programs, with educators working above ratio to provide additional support for both children and colleagues.
A key part of the team’s approach is looking beyond the classroom to understand what each child and family may need. Through a “team around the child” model, a mini pantry and playgroup, educators build open, trusting relationships and connect families with broader supports. Bree also contributes as a Safeguarding Champion, helping promote practices that keep children safe.
Bree says educators are seeing an increased focus on children’s social and emotional wellbeing. This includes helping children understand and express their emotions, co-regulating alongside them and creating a safe environment where they feel supported and connected.
Celebrating the difference educators make
Kiralee says an additional layer of leadership support introduced this year has also strengthened communication, mentoring and professional support across the service.
After nine years with Benevolent, Kiralee remains motivated by seeing children grow and learn, families become more connected and confident, and educators continue to develop in their roles.
For Bree, the most rewarding moments include planning creative learning experiences around children’s interests, seeing a child master a new skill and helping children who are new to care reach the point where they look forward to attending each day.
“Early Childhood Educators’ Day is a special opportunity to recognise the incredible work educators do every day,” Kiralee said. “They are at the heart of our service, creating positive experiences for children and families, and they deserve to be celebrated for their dedication and care.”
She is especially proud of the way the long day care team works together.
“They are passionate, caring and compassionate professionals who go above and beyond every day to deliver the best outcomes for children and families,” said Kiralee.
For more information on our range of Early Childhood Years services and programs, click here or call 1800 236 762.