Education award for Monique

The awards recognise people and programs delivering outstanding early childhood services, that have a significant influence on the crucial early years of children’s lives and sets them up to achieve their full potential.

Professionals and programs from a range of Territory childhood services are eligible to nominate, including kindergarten, childcare services, the Families as First Teachers program, pre-school and playgroups.

Winners receive a scholarship to contribute to their professional development.

Minister for Education Selena Uibo congratulated the winners at last night’s Parliament House ceremony.

They are:

Emerging educator – Monique Marzocchi, Clyde Fenton Primary School

Outstanding educator – Fiona Matchett, St Mary’s Community of Learners

Outstanding leadership – Joanne Vlassco, Malak Family Centre

Outstanding achievement in community engagement – Farrar Early Learning Centre

Outstanding achievement in innovative practice – Darwin Family Day Care

Ms Uibo said: “The Government recognises just how crucial quality education and childcare services are in the first five years of a child’s life, which is why we are investing heavily in this area.

“Since coming to government, we have expanded our Families as First Teachers program from 27 to 38 sites, and plan to expand to 52 by 2020.

“Following the delivery of our publication of our Starting Early for a Better Future Early Childhood Development Plan earlier this year, we announced a further $35 million for early childhood, including 11 new Child and Family Centres.

“Investing in a child’s early years is key to achieving our government’s key aim of generational change, as all the international evidence shows that kids who have access to quality early childhood care do better at school and into adulthood.

“Our dedicated early childhood educators and support staff are key to achieving this aim and work tirelessly for Territory children. I would like to congratulate all of tonight’s winners and nominees.”