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Finalists for 2026!

  • 8 hours ago
  • 12 min read

With a 47% increase in nominations and a 40% increase in the number of services nominating, a new record number of nominations was achieved for this year's Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards!


On behalf of our sponsors:


  • Guild Insurance

  • Guild Early Learning

  • KKTC

  • NOVA Employment

  • Huggies

  • Ranger Jamie Tours, and

  • Twinkl


... our heartiest congratulations to this year's finalists:


For the Metropolitan Services Excellence Awards - Large Metropolitan Service (80 places or more)

  • The Cubbyhouse Preparatory School @ Lane Cove, Lane Cove NSW

  • Little Leo's Early Education Centre, Killara NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Brookvale NSW

  • Montessori Academy, Oran Park NSW

  • Rise & Shine Kindergarten, Summer Hill NSW

  • Storyhouse Early Learning, Glenmore Park NSW

For the Metropolitan Services Excellence Awards - Medium Metropolitan Service (40-79 places)

  • Allambie Bush Kindy, Allambie Heights NSW

  • Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare, Glebe NSWS

  • Busy Bee's at Georges Hall, Georges Hall NSW

  • Clever Cubs Early Learning Centre, Smithfield NSW

  • Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre, Greystanes NSW

  • Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori, Quakers Hill NSW

  • Devonshire Street Children's Centre, Chatswood NSW

  • Early Learners of Prariewood, Prariewood NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centre, St Ives NSW

  • Little Peoples Early Learning Centre, Minto NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Rhodes NSW

  • Neutral Bay Kindergarten, Neutral Bay NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Punchbowl NSW

  • Nurtured Education and Care, Gladesville NSW

  • Toybox Early Learning, Mascot NSW

  • Turramurra Kindergarten, North Turramurra NSW


For the Metropolitan Services Excellence Awards - Small Metropolitan Service (39 places or less)

  • Bindook Cottage, Terrey Hills NSW

  • Bundeena Maianbar Preschool, Bundeena NSW

  • Captain Bligh Early Learning Centre, Bligh Park NSW

  • Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre, South Penrith NSW

  • Gumnut Kidz Kindergarten, Narellan NSW

  • Kids Oasis, Kingsgrove NSW

  • Kirrawee Child Care Centre, Kirrawee NSW

  • Little Echidna Early Learning Centre, Blaxland NSW

  • Little Puma Early Learning Centre, Penrith NSW

  • Milieu Early Education & Care, Condell Park NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Peacock Street Long Daycare, Seaforth NSW

  • Peek-A-Boo Cottage, Seaforth NSW

  • Smart Cookies Early Learning Centre, Beecroft NSW

  • Uniting Early Learning, North Bondi NSW

For the Regional/Rural/Remote Services Excellence Awards - Large Regional/Rural/Remote Service (80 places or more)

  • Best Start Early Learning Centre, Wadalba NSW

  • Boorowa Early Education Centre, Boorowa NSW

  • Erina Kindergarten, Erina NSW

  • Imagine Childcare and Preschool, Orange NSW

  • Joeys Preschool Early Learning Centre, Morpeth NSW

  • Kiewa Kids Early Learning, Albury NSW

  • Little Miracles, Niagara Park NSW

  • Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Estella NSW

  • Little Zak’s Academy, The Oaks NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Mount Hutton NSW


For the Regional/Rural/Remote Services Excellence Awards - Medium Regional/Rural/Remote Service (40-79 places or more)

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Belong Early Learning Centre, Booker Bay NSW

  • Bowral Street Childcare, Bowral NSW

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Goodstart, Blue Haven NSW

  • Goodstart, Kincumber NSW

  • Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre, Ashtonfield NSW

  • Little Miracles, Kanwal NSW

  • The Little Unicorn on Honeysuckle, Newcastle NSW

  • Liv2Learn Early Education, ThirlmereNSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Yagoona NSW

  • Oakville Preschool Learning Centre, Oakville NSW

  • Spotted Frog Kindergarten, Lakehaven NSW

  • Spring Kidz Early Learning Centre Kooringal, Kooringal NSW


For the Regional/Rural/Remote Services Excellence Awards - Small Regional/Rural/Remote Service (39 places or less)

  • Junior Einsteins Nurturing Centre, Blackbutt NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Oak Flats NSW

  • Nurruby Boggabri Early Learning Facility, Boggabri NSW

  • Peak Hill Preschool Kindergarten Inc, Peak Hill NSW

  • The Little Unicorn on Honeysuckle, Newcastle NSW

  • Trundle Children's Centre, Trundle NSW

  • Ulladulla Children's Centre, Ulladulla NSW


For Excellence in Educational Program & Practice

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Bright Beginnings, Maitland NSW

  • Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre, South Penrith NSW

  • Gumnut Kidz Kindergarten, Narellan NSW

  • Joeys Preschool and Early Learning Centre, Dungog NSW

  • Little Peoples Early Learning Centre, Bowral NSW

  • Little Treasures, Singleton NSW

  • Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Estella NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Northmead NSW

  • Montessori Academy, Oran Park NSW

  • Mulgoa Preschool, Mulgoa NSW

  • Neutral Bay Kindergarten, Neutral Bay NSW

  • Oakville Preschool Learning Centre, Oakville NSW

  • Peak Hill Preschool Kindergarten Inc, Peak Hill NSW

  • Scribblz Preschool and Long Day Care Centre, Picnic Point NSW

  • Thinkersinq, Warriewood NSW

  • Uniting Early Learning, North Bondi NSW

  • WillowBee Early Learning Centre, Chatswood NSW


For Excellence in Environmental Program

  • Allambie Bush Kindy, Allambie Heights NSW

  • Bambini of Lilyfield, Lilyfield NSW

  • Clovel Day Nursery, Merrylands NSW

  • Erina Kindergarten, Erina NSW

  • Goodstart, Blue Haven NSW

  • Joeys Preschool and Early Learning Centre, Dungog NSW

  • Junior Einsteins Nurturing Centre, Flinders NSW

  • little foundations Early Learning Centre, Rouse Hill NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Hunters Hill NSW

  • Liv2Learn Early Education, Thirlmere NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Oak Flats NSW

  • Mulgoa Preschool, Mulgoa NSW

  • Planet Long Day Care, Coledale NSW

  • Shepherd Early Learning Centre, Mays Hill NSW

  • Story House Early Learning, Mascot NSW

  • Toybox Early Learning, Mascot NSW

  • Umina Child Care Centre, Umina Beach NSW


For Excellence in Partnerships with Families

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Academy For Early Learners, West Pymble NSW

  • Cambridge Hills Preschool, Rankin Park NSW

  • Expore & Develop, Leichhardt NSW

  • Fables on the Mountain Early Learning and Discovery, Mount Kembla NSW

  • Junior Einsteins Shell Heights, Dunmore NSW

  • Kids Planet Academy, North Ryde NSW

  • Kookaburra Early Learning, Casino NSW

  • Little Leo's Early Education Centre, Killara NSW

  • Mi Kids, Warriewood NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Oak Flats NSW

  • Nurtured Education and Care, Gladesville NSW

  • The Children's Hospital at Westmead Childcare Centre, Westmead NSW

  • Umina Child Care Centre, Umina Beach NSW


For Excellence in Community Involvement

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Bunyip Preschool, Harden NSW

  • Cambridge Hills Preschool, Rankin Park NSW

  • CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre, Campsie NSW

  • Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre, Ryde NSW

  • The Cubbyhouse Preparatory School @ Lane Cove, Lane Cove NSW

  • Currans Hill Childcare Centre, Currans Hill NSW

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Kiewa Kids Early Learning, Albury NSW

  • Little Miracles, Niagara Park NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Brookvale NSW

  • Mi Kids, Warriewood NSW

  • Peacock Street Long Daycare, Seaforth NSW

  • Shepherd Early Learning Centre, Mays Hill NSW

  • Smart Cookies Early Learning Centre, Beecroft NSW

  • Sprout Early Learning Centre, Wamberal NSW

  • Story House Early Learning, Miranda NSW


For Excellence in Inclusivity Practices

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Bambini of Lilyfield, Lilyfield NSW

  • Cambridge Hills Preschool, Rankin Park NSW

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Goodstart, Cooranbong NSW

  • Kookaburra Early Learning, Casino NSW

  • Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Turvey Park NSW

  • Mi Kids, Warriewood NSW

  • Mikarie Child Care Centre, Kirrawee NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Condell Park NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • WillowBee Early Learning Centre, Chatswood NSW


For Excellence in Children's Wellbeing & Health

  • Academy For Early Learners, West Pymble NSW

  • Central Coast Montessori, Wamberal NSW

  • Children's Village, Spring Farm NSW

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre, Ashtonfield NSW

  • Junior Einsteins Nurturing Centre, Blackbutt NSW

  • Mikarie Child Care Centre, Kirrawee NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Oak Flats NSW

  • Narrabeen Children's Centre, Narrabeen NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Punchbowl NSW

  • Oakville Preschool Learning Centre, Oakville NSW

  • Shepherd Early Learning Centre, Mays Hill NSW

  • Umina Child Care Centre, Umina Beach NSW


For Excellence in Children's Safety

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Bambini of Lilyfield, Lilyfield NSW

  • Bluebird Early Education and Care, Roseville NSW

  • Butterflies International Child Care Centre, Artarmon NSW

  • Kookaburra Early Learning, Casino NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centre, St Ives NSW

  • little foundations Early Learning Centre, Rouse Hill NSW

  • Little Treasures, Greta NSW

  • Little Treasures, Singleton NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Adamstown NSW

  • The Lookout Early Education Centre, Mosman NSW

  • Mi Kids, Warriewood

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Condell Park NSW

  • Mulgoa Preschool, Mulgoa NSW

  • Nurtured Education and Care, Gladesville NSW

  • Sutherland Shire Council (Early Education division), Sutherland NSW


For Excellence in Food, Nutrition & Menu Design

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Bright Beginnings, Maitland NSW

  • Busy Bee's at Georges Hall, Georges Hall NSW

  • Joeys Preschool Early Learning Centre, Morpeth NSW

  • Kookaburra Early Learning, Casino NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Little Blossom Early Learning Centre, Glenorie NSW

  • Little Treasures, Greta NSW

  • Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Estella NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Brookvale NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Condell Park NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Yagoona NSW

  • Shepherd Early Learning Centre, Mays Hill NSW

  • Spring Kidz Kooringal Early Learning Centre, Kooringal NSW

  • Story House Early Learning Mascot, Mascot NSW

  • Toybox Early Learning, Mascot NSW


For Excellence in Multicultural Program

  • Academy For Early Learners, West Pymble NSW

  • Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare, Glebe NSW

  • Ana Kindergarten, Auburn NSW

  • CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre, St Leonards NSW

  • Central Coast Montessori, Wamberal NSW

  • The Children's Hospital at Westmead Childcare Centre, Westmead NSW

  • Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre, Greystanes NSW

  • Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre, Ashtonfield NSW

  • Kookaburra Early Learning, Casino NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Chisholm NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Umina Child Care Centre, Umina Beach NSW


For Excellence in Australian History & Culture

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour

  • Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre, Granville NSW

  • Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori, Quakers Hill NSW

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Hunter Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre, Ashtonfield NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Oakville Preschool Learning Centre, Oakville NSW

  • The Cubbyhouse Preparatory School @ Lane Cove, Lane Cove NSW

  • Umina Child Care Centre, Umina Beach NSW


For Excellence in Training - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

  • To be announced


For Excellence in Training - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

  • To be announced


For Excellence in Training - Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care

  • Bronte Powick, 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Margot Bernadette, Boorowa Early Education Centre, Boorowa NSW

  • Elle Fawkner, Goodstart, Kincumber NSW

  • Natalie Guerin, Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Francesca Hudson, Little Miracles, Kanwal NSW

  • Jae Hee Choi, Little Zak's Academy, Brookvale NSW

  • Charly Martin-Duff, Liv2Learn Early Education , Thirlmere NSW

  • Sarah Gergis, Next Generation Kindergarten, Yagoona NSW

  • Camille Wannan, Nurruby Boggabri Early Learning Facility, Boggabri NSW

  • Cathy Middleton, Peacock Street Long Day Care, Seaforth NSW


For Excellence in Training - Training Excellence Award

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Goodstart, Kincumber NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Turvey Park NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Brookvale NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Peek-A-Boo Cottage, Seaforth NSW

  • Story House Early Learning, Miranda NSW


For Excellence in People - Team Excellence Award - Large Metropolitan Service (80 places or more)

  • Bluebird Early Education and Care, Roseville NSW

  • Little Leo's Early Education Centre, Killara NSW

  • Little Peoples Early Learning Centre, Oak Flats NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Gladesville NSW

  • Montessori Academy, Oran Park NSW

  • Story House Early Learning, Alexandria NSW


For Excellence in People - Team Excellence Award - Medium Metropolitan Service (40-79 places)

  • Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare, Glebe NSW

  • Balmain Care for Kids Nursery, Balmain NSW

  • Bowral Street Childcare, Bowral NSW

  • Busy Bee's at Georges Hall, Georges Hall NSW

  • CASS Gumnut Early Learning Centre, St Leonards NSW

  • Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre, Ryde NSW

  • Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori, Quakers Hills NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Little Blossom Early Learning Centre, Glenorie NSW

  • Little Peoples Early Learning Centre, Bowral NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, West Ryde NSW

  • The Lookout Early Education Centre, Mosman NSW

  • Oakville Preschool Learning Centre, Oakville NSW

  • Puzzlez Early Learning Centre, Padstow NSW

  • Scribblz Preschool and Long Day Care Centre, Picnic Point NSW

  • Toybox Early Learning, Mascot NSW


For Excellence in People - Team Excellence Award - Small Metropolitan Service (39 places or less)

  • Clovel Day Nursery, Merrylands NSW

  • Kirrawee Child Care Centre, Kirrawee NSW

  • Little Peoples Early Learning Centre, St Helens Park NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Condell Park NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Peek-A-Boo Cottage, Seaforth NSW


For Excellence in People - Team Excellence Award - Large Regional/Rural/Remote Service (80 places or more)

  • Brightly Early Learning Gables, Box Hill NSW

  • Goodstart, Shell Cove NSW

  • Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Estella NSW


For Excellence in People - Team Excellence Award - Medium Regional/Rural/Remote Service (40-79 places)

  • Bunyip Preschool, Harden NSW

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Liv2Learn Early Education, Thirlmere NSW

  • Shepherd Early Learning Centre, Mays Hill NSW

  • Spotted Frog Kindergarten, Lake Haven NSW

    Spring Kidz Early Learning Centre, Kooringal NSW


For Excellence in People - Team Excellence Award - Small Regional/Rural/Remote Service (49 places or less)

  • Cambridge Hills Preschool, Rankin Park NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Oak Flats NSW

  • Nurruby Boggabri Early Learning Facility, Boggabri NSW

  • Possums Early Learning Centre, Wagga Wagga NSW

  • Ulladulla Children's Centre, Ulladulla NSW


For Excellence in People - Employer Excellence Award

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Boorowa Early Education Centre, Boorowa NSW

  • Bowral Street Childcare, Bowral NSW

  • Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori, Quakers Hill NSW

  • Expore & Develop, Leichhardt NSW

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Goodstart, Tuggerah NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Estella NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Condell Park NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Oakville Preschool Learning Centre, Oakville NSW

  • Shepherd Early Learning Centre, Mays Hill NSW

  • TLC Early Learning Centre, Raymond Terrace NSW


For Excellence in People - Nominated Supervisor/Director Excellence Award

  • Jordie Clack, Best Start Early Learning Centre, Wadalba NSW

  • Adriana Grubisc, Busy Bee's at Georges Hall, Georges Hall NSW

  • Amy Ye, Early Learners of Hurstville, Hurstville NSW

  • Sally Gewargis, Early Learners of Prariewood, Prariewood NSW

  • Stephanie Penfold, Goodstart, Kincumber NSW

  • Amelia Craincross, Kirrawee Child Care Centre, Kirrawee NSW

  • Tonya Reid, Lake Cargelligo Early Learning Centre, Lake Cargelligo NSW

  • Natalie Guerin, Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Keira Lambe, Little Zak's Academy, Brookvale NSW

  • Haylee Heffernan & Leanne Patterson, Liv2Learn Early Education, Thirlmere NSW

  • Hannah Trompert, Mulgoa Preschool, Mulgoa NSW

  • Kristen Whiticker, Possums Early Learning Centre, Wagga Wagga NSW

  • Angela Bagley, Spring Kidz Kooringal Early Learning Centre, Kooringal NSW

  • Denise (Zhiyue) Zhang, Story House Early Learning, Mascot N SW

  • Paulina Jagus, Woden Valley Early Learning Centre, Garran NSW


For Excellence in People - Educator Excellence Award

  • Irene Fernandez Rodriguez, Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare, Glebe NSW

  • Eliza Clark, Blooming Kids Early Learning and Long Daycare Centre, Port Macquarie NSW

  • Soniya Rai, Bluebird Early Education, Roseville NSW

  • Carol Milliken, Bottleforest Long Day Care, Engadine NSW

  • Jacqueline Donnelly, Bullfrog Children's Centre, Engadine NSW

  • Rebecca Dinham, Gumnut Kidz Kindergarten, Narellan NSW

  • Kirsten Hardy, Kirrawee Child Care Centre, Kirrawee NSW

  • Jessica Seong, Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Bianca O'Malley, Little Miracles, Tuggerah NSW

  • Shannan Carney, Little Puma Early Learning Centre, Penrith NSW

  • Jessica Hansen, Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Estella NSW

  • Diya Shrestha, Little Zak's Academy, Brookvale NSW

  • Mikkaela De Jesus, Little Zak's Academy Mount Hutton NSW

  • Chloe Jones, Liv2Learn Early Education, Thirlmere NSW

  • Alaa Mehdi, Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Jennifer Meyers, Possums Early Learning Centre, Wagga Wagga NSW

  • Emma Boyd, Story House Early Learning, South Windsor NSW

  • Louise McDonald, Toybox Early Learning, Mascot NSW


For Excellence in People - Young Educator Excellence Award (25 years or less)

  • Ella Totino, Bindook Cottage, Terrey Hills NSW

  • Keenan Potter, Blooming Kids Early Learning and Long Daycare Centre, Port Macquarie NSW

  • Lucia Cooke, Bluebird Early Education and Care, Roseville NSW

  • Nicole Gebrael, Busy Bee's at Georges Hall, Georges Hall NSW

  • Kuljeet Kaur, Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori, Quakers Hill NSW

  • Emily Chimoun, Early Learners of Prariewood, Prariewood NSW

  • Teya Davis, Erina Kindergarten, Erina NSW

  • Maddison Camage, Goodstart, Kincumber NSW

  • Ciara Beetson, Lake Cargelligo Early Learning Centre, Lake Cargelligo NSW

  • Brooklyn Lee, Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Hannah Thompson, Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Estella NSW

  • Lucy Fu, Little Zak's Academy, Hornsby NSW

  • Teagan Bowler, Little Zak's Academy, Jordan Springs NSW

  • Olivia Barrett, Mulgoa Preschool, Mulgoa NSW

  • Maymona Elali, Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Monica Noussair, SAGE Early Learning Centre, Belfield NSW

  • Katelyn Pickles, The Early Learning Hub Spring Farm, Narellan Vale NSW

  • Sophie Moore, Toybox Early Learning, Mascot NSW


For Excellence in People - Educational Leader Excellence Award

  • Effy Jung, Bluebird Early Education, Roseville NSW

  • Chantelle Maloney, Bullfrog Children's Centre, Engadine NSW

  • Natalie Marks, Busy Bee's at Georges Hall, Georges Hall NSW

  • Hannah Goldsworthy, The Early Learning Hub Spring Farm, Narellan Vale NSW

  • Alison Watts, ELO, Mt Vernon NSW

  • Nichol Myers, Erina Kindergarten, Erina NSW

  • Jessica Jarvis, Joeys Preschool Early Learning Centre, Morpeth NSW

  • Natalie Guerin, Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Mikayla Christie, Little Miracles, Niagara Park NSW

  • Chloe Murray, Little Zak's Academy, Bondi NSW

  • Kylie McMahon, Liv2Learn Early Education, Thirlmere NSW

  • Cankiz Ocalan, Next Generation Kindergarten, Punchbowl NSW

  • Stephanie Caruana, Oakville Preschool Learning Centre, Oakville NSW

  • Rhiannon Jordan, Spring Kidz Early Learning Centre, Kooringal NSW

  • Qimei (Mia) Chen, Story House Early Learning, Mascot NSW

  • Lynne Graham, Toybox Early Learning, Mascot NSW


For Excellence in People - Service Support Person Excellence Award

  • Kimberley Strickland, 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Cesar Gomez, Amigoss Spanish Bilingual Childcare, Glebe NSW

  • Dannica King, Boorowa Early Education Centre, Boorowa NSW

  • Belinda De Bari, Cressy Road Early Learning, Ryde NSW

  • Sabikun Naher, Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori, Quakers Hill NSW

  • Tanya Spiros, Little Miracles, Kanwal NSW

  • Claire Christmass, Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Estella NSW

  • Kayla Nicholas, Little Zak's Academy, Bondi Junction NSW

  • Tenneal Gerardis, Liv2Learn Early Education, Thirlmere NSW

  • Nonna Lisa, Milieu Early Education and Care, Condell Park NSW

  • Kaitlyn Haran, Possums Early Learning Centre, Wagga Wagga NSW

  • Elizabeth Deighton, Spring Kidz Early Learning Centre, Kooringal NSW


For Excellence in People - Wellbeing Excellence Award - Metropolitan Service

  • Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori, Quakers Hill NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centres , St Ives NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Gladesville NSW

  • Mikarie Child Care Centre, Kirrawee NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Condell Park NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Punchbowl NSW

  • Shepherd Early Learning Centre, Mays Hill NSW


For Excellence in People - Wellbeing Excellence Award - Regional/Rural/Remote Service

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Boorowa Early Education Centre, Boorowa NSW

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Goodstart, Shell Cove NSW

  • Joeys Preschool and Early Learning Centre, Dungog

  • Milieu Early Education and Care Oak Flats

  • Little Miracles Preschool, Point Clare NSW

  • Oakville Preschool Learning Centre


For Children's Outcomes - Outcomes for Children (Birth-3 years)

  • 3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service, Coffs Harbour NSW

  • Bindook Cottage, Terrey Hills NSW

  • Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori, Quakers Hill NSW

  • Junior Einsteins Shell Heights, Dunmore NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Little Peoples Early Learning Centre, Oak Flats NSW

  • Little Wonders Early Educational Centre, Estella NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, The Oaks NSW

  • Little Zak's Acadmey, Auburn NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Chester Hill NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Yagoona NSW

  • Play to Learn, Castle Hill NSW


For Children's Outcomes - Outcomes for Children (Preschool)

  • Bindook Cottage, Terrey Hills NSW

  • Bluebird Early Education and Care, Roseville NSW

  • Boorowa Early Education Centre, Boorowa NSW

  • Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre, Blacktown NSW

  • Gilgandra Preschool Inc, Gilgandra NSW

  • Joeys Preschool Early Learning Centre, Morpeth NSW

  • Lead Early Learning Centres, St Ives NSW

  • Little Peoples Early Learning Centre, Oak Flats NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, Ryde NSW

  • Little Zak's Academy, The Oaks NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Condell Park NSW

  • Milieu Early Education and Care, Oak Flats NSW

  • Next Generation Kindergarten, Punchbowl NSW

  • Rise & Shine Kindergarten, Beverley Park NSW

  • Shepherd Early Learning Centre, Mays Hill

  • Smart Cookies Early Learning Centre, Beecroft NSW


Thank you to all the services and individuals who put forward your nominations, without which the annual Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards cannot be made possible.


As tickets for the Awards Gala Night are usually in very high demand, please secure your tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.


PUBLISHED: 19 JUNE 2026

 
 
 

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