A Kinglake early childhood educator has been named as one of nine finalists in the 2022 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards in the individual leadership category.
Linda Price from Kinglake Ranges Children’s Centre has been recognised for her leadership in combining early education theory and practice with data to create pedagogical change in the bushfire-affected Kinglake community.
After observing extreme behaviour in children following the Kinglake bushfires, Linda revamped the centre’s approach to learning. With a focus on improving social and emotional outcomes for the children, she moved from a structured, teacher-led approach to child-led, neuroscience-informed practice.
Linda collaborated with parents and the community to develop an award-winning bush kinder program. This program resulted in significant improvements to children’s mental health, including improved language complexity and increased social negotiation, collaboration and use of STEM thinking.
Linda plans to undertake a cultural study tour in Yolnu Country in the Northern Territory, which will help inform the centre’s anti-bias approach.
Other finalist achievements included developing mental health programs to support children from trauma backgrounds, leading an Aboriginal language activation program that has helped increase First Nations kindergarten enrolments and supporting children to write a book on climate action that was shared with the Prime Minister.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey congratulated the finalists on their work, acknowledging the immense pressure Covid has put on the sector.
“It takes enormous dedication, drive and heart to educate and look after our youngest Australians, which the pandemic made clear is so important for a strong economy and the future of our nation,” Ms Blakey said.
“These finalists are the very best at what they do and I’m so impressed by what they have been able to achieve in improving inclusivity in learning and giving children their very best start in life.”
The national Awards highlight the frontline educators and carers at the very centre of Australia’s early childhood education system, celebrating those who have demonstrated excellence in improving learning outcomes for children.
An independent judging panel comprising sector representatives reviewed many outstanding nominations to select finalists across the Advancing Pedagogy and Practice, Individual Leadership and Outstanding Organisation categories.
Long-time Awards supporter ME Bank has donated $30,000 in prize money, which will be split equally between the winners, to be used for professional or team development or to improve workplace services or processes.
ME CEO Martine Jager paid tribute to the finalists’ exceptional work and achievements.
“They give our children the best chance of reaching their full potential and the team and I at ME Bank are so proud to recognise their wonderful achievements,” Ms Jager said.
The three winners will be announced at an Awards dinner in Canberra on 7 October 2022. For more information on the Awards, visit hestaawards.com.au
