Nominations are open to anyone involved in the delivery of early childhood education services in Australia. This includes educators, carers, and other professionals who work in this sector.

There are three categories for nominations: Advancing Pedagogy & Practice, Individual Leadership, and Outstanding Service. It is important to understand the criteria for each category to make sure you are submitting the most relevant and compelling nomination.

The judges are industry experts who will be looking for evidence of exceptional work and achievements. Therefore, when preparing a nomination, it is important to highlight specific examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in their role. This could include things like innovative teaching practices, successful program implementation, or outstanding leadership skills.

Nominations should also showcase the impact the nominee has had on the children and families they work with, as well as the broader community. This could include examples of improved learning outcomes, increased engagement, or positive feedback from parents or colleagues.

Finally, it is important to remember that the HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards are not just about recognizing individual excellence, but also about celebrating the importance of early childhood education and care as a profession. Therefore, nominees who can demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and a passion for supporting the growth and development of young children are likely to be viewed favorably by the judges.

Winners will be announced on Friday 6 October 2023 at a special awards ceremony held in Adelaide To find out more about the awards visit HESTA information page for Early Childhood Education