Congratulations to Central Coast Council’s Terrigal Children’s Centre for winning the Family Involvement Program Excellence Award at the Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards, which shine a light on best practices across the State.

All eight of Council’s Centres were nominated as finalists within six categories at the awards, displaying their excellence in program development.

Council Unit Manager Libraries, Learning and Education, Beth Burgess, said walking away with an award was a real testament to the strength of the educators as well as the commitment of parents and carers.

“We place a strong emphasis on developing strong connections in our community and a sense of belonging for the benefit of children and their families,” Mrs Burgess said.

“Terrigal has been recognised as leaders in their ability to work collaboratively with families to respectfully share, use or display different beliefs and values to enhance the learning and inclusion of all children.

“Terrigal’s program included celebration of Chinese New Year, Harmony Day, Mother’s Day Christmas and Easter, but also tackled learning and environmental principles with children participating in Simultaneous Storytime and the Take 3 for the Sea program, based on family’s involvement in caring for local water ways.

“These awards are a great opportunity to showcase what we are doing well and also enable us to measure the success of our programs so we can continually improve on what we provide to families.”

Centres were finalists in the following Program Excellence Awards Categories:

• Community Involvement Excellence - Northlakes, Toukley, Kanwal and Umina
• Environmental Program Excellence - Wyong, Toukley, Niagara Park, Umina & Kariong
• Family Involvement Program Excellence – Terrigal (winner)
• Multicultural Program - Kariong
• Children’s Wellbeing and Health Program Excellence - Wyong, Northlakes and Umina
• Inclusivity Practises Program Excellence – Kariong

“I’m really proud of our childcare team and this truly is a testament to the great work being undertaken in the early education and care services we provide to many local families,” Mayor Matthews said.

“It reflects our quality learning programs, the environments available to the children, the partnerships we have with families, our inclusive practices and our commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality.

“Our talented Educators work incredibly hard, day in and day out. They go over and above when it comes to the care and connection they have with the children and families.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the team at Terrigal for this well-deserved award.”

To learn more about the great programs and services Council Education and Care Centres offer or to enrol for 2020 visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/childcare

ENDS