SA’s best childcare educator for 2022

They’re a special part of our children’s lives — now we need your help to find SA’s best childcare educator. Voting is now closed.

When it comes to sending your little ones off to childcare you want to know they’re in good hands.

They’ve been there to support your kids during another tough year, and now we’re recognising the great work of SA’s top childcare educators.

In our quest to crown the state’s best childcare educator we narrowed the competition down to 20 finalists as nominated by readers on our Facebook call-out.

Scroll down to see why these professionals made the list and to cast your vote.

Leading the race

Paige Dobie, Guardian Childcare & Education, Croydon Park

Naomi Venning, Little Nook Early Learning Center, Hahndorf

Leah Cavanagh, Cool Frogs, Littlehampton

Christine Bailey, Community Kids, Kadina

Leesha Turner, Goodstart Early Learning, Evanston

*Note: You must be a digital subscriber to vote in our ‘Best of’ poll. One only vote per subscriber will be recorded. Voting closes Wednesday, July 6 at 3pm. The winner will be announced Friday, July 8.

SA’S TOP 20 EDUCATORS

Emilie Goedecky, Portside Christian College Early Learning Centre

“Such a caring person going above and beyond.”

Paige Dobie, Guardian Childcare & Education, Croydon Park

“She is amazing with the children all inclusive and treats them as if they were her own.”

Alyce Skelland, Goodstart Early Learning, Elizabeth Vale

“Goes above and beyond for the centre even purchasing items out of her own money and actively seeks donations to better the centre all for those children.”

Elly Murphy, Goodstart Early Learning, Penfield

“Not only does she put her heart and sole into caring for children at work, she is also a foster mum who has given many children a loving home and a place to feel safe.”

Amy Pillinger, Goodstart Early Learning, Evanston

“I couldn’t have asked for a better educator when my first baby started childcare.”

Lauren Oats, Goodstart Early Learning, Evanston

“She cares about all of the family not just the child in her care.”

Leesha Turner, Goodstart Early Learning, Evanston

“Her communication with parents is amazing whether it be regarding your child, learning goals or providing useful information regarding health, safety, activities to do etc.”

Christine Bailey, Community Kids, Kadina

“She is always thinking of new ideas within the room and centre, putting the children first, planning activities at the drop of a hat and always there for help when you need her.”

Stacey Stubbs, Goodstart Early Learning, Evanston Park

“She is knowledgeable and does her own work and supports the roles of others daily.”

Natasha Browne, Riverbanks Early Learning Centre, Angle Vale

“Every decision that she makes has the child’s wellbeing at the heart of it.”

Madeline Errigo, Riverbanks Early Learning Centre, Angle Vale

“Madeline is so passionate about quality, child led and authentic learning and I know she dedicates so much of her time to better understanding child development.”

Leah Cavanagh, Cool Frogs, Littlehampton

“Full of energy, heart of gold and it’s all for the children in her care.”

Naomi Venning, Little Nook Early Learning Center, Hahndorf

“She has this amazing ability to captivate the kids attention with fun educational activities and understanding the little ones development.”

Zaara Cates, Emali Early Learning Centre, Littlehampton

“Both my boys absolutely adore her as do majority of the children within the centre.”

Kasha Adams, Bottlebrush Room, Adelaide

“All the fabulous educators of the Bottlebrush Room go above and beyond for every little person in their care.”

Gillian McFarlane, Hackham West Community Centre, Hackham West

“She puts 100 per cent in every day and like many childcare staff has powered through the pandemic, underpaid & undervalued.”

Jade Quirk, Riverbanks Early Learning Centre, Angle Vale

“Exceptional in every way, supportive, encouraging and experienced. Always would go above and beyond to make sure that the kids were happy and safe.”