Vote now for SA’s best childcare educator

They’re a special part of our children’s lives and we need your help to find SA’s best childcare educator. Nominations have come from all corners of the state, so vote now!

We’re on the hunt for SA’s best childcare educators. Vote now for your favourite!

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

So we’re looking for SA’s best childcare educators who go above and beyond to support families and their children.

With your help we’ve narrowed it down to a list of finalists and now it’s your chance to vote.

All of these educators received multiple nominations and we’ve included some customer comments about why they’re the best.

Read through the comments on why they were nominated and cast your vote for your favourite – note that only one vote per subscriber will be recorded – so choose wisely!

Voting will close at 3pm on Wednesday, May 12 with the winner announced later that week.

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Zoe Thomas, Sharyn Cook and Kirsty Clarke – Walkley Heights Childcare Centre

Nominated by Amanda Jennings

All three are so patient my son. They will also take that extra mile to help him. I would be lost without their help.

Sharmainn Randall, Krystal Reeves and Ali Brown – Stepping Stone Munno Para

Nominated by Emma Murray

They are such kind, warm and inviting women. My 2yo adores them, and we consider them our extended family after moving away from our family late last year.

Dianne Rump – Stepping Stone Marden

Nominated by Emilie Martin

Most dedicated educator in the industry.

All staff – Seaford District Community Children’s Centre

Nominated by Heidi Morris

I think they all individually bring something amazing to early childhood and I’m forever grateful for their support, guidance and care for the most “important” people in all of our lives.

Amy Weatherley – Stepping Stone Evanston

Nominated by Renee Alicia

She goes above and beyond for the children in her care. The girl never stops!

Shaye Stephen – Nido Early School Noarlunga

Nominated by Rebekah Prestwood

Shaye is not only so committed to the kids she takes care of every day but is also a committed netball coach and mentor. Everyone love Shaye and she deserves to feel special!

Laurel Hamilton – Daphne Street Early Learning Centre, Prospect

Nominated by Donna Turner

After many years in the field Laurel has been the most motivating and committed educator I have had the pleasure to work along side and also manage. She has taught me the most both personally and professionally. She sees wonder in all that she teaches and in each and every child she teaches.

Deepa Sweeney, Stacey Brown, Mandy Brown, Melissa Hall, Kerry Williams – Stepping Stone Morphett Vale

Nominated by Kimmy Treagus

The most amazing people that go above and beyond in caring for the children in their centre!

Tristin Andrews – Hessel Children’s Centre, Port Adelaide

Nominated by Danni Weaver

It’s obvious that she genuinely loves what she does and she always finds a way to make every single child feel like they’re the most important person in the room.

Liv Muster – Stepping Stone Hewett

Nominated by Kristy Muster

Her passionate, caring & kind personality makes her adored by children.

Ali Zimmermann – Whyalla Childcare Centre

Nominated by Em Janssen

Ali is kind, passionate and all the kids adore her. She is known for her wonderful singing and her engaging story times. She takes the time to make connections with parents and makes everyone who comes into contact with her feel acknowledged, happy and that your children are in the best possible hands.

Arja Dennie – Margaret Ives Community Children’s Centre, Norwood

Nominated by Sarah Bowden

She is the most caring, nurturing and kind hearted person. Nothing is too much trouble for her when it comes to the wellbeing of my son.

Christine Beriman – Goodstart Early Learning Old Reynella

Nominated by Ann Matthews

The best educator my kids ever had. She really went above and beyond.

Sarah Traeger – Loxton District Children’s Centre

Nominated by Lauren Hampel

Sarah has fantastic relationships with the children and families, and is always contributing as a staff member to inspire and support others where needed. Sarah is resourceful and creative when it comes to play based set ups within the rooms and is a knowledgeable educator in helping children reach their milestones.

Sarah Martin – Stepping Stone Tanunda

Nominated by Melissa Kate

She spends after work, weekends and endless time on preparing activities for her kiddies to do at the centre. She is always going above and beyond.

She always puts the kids and families first. She’s always happy to see you. She even took care of my son when he was in childcare.

Sarah Jane McKay – Crittenden Road Early Learning, Smithfield Plains

Nominated by Kerri Folker

Her job is her life, amazing bonds built with kids and families, us as her family call them all her kids, cause they all mean something to her in their own unique ways, she definitely goes the miles for the children!!!! She is an amazing educator.

Jordy Graham – Diagonal Road Community Children’s Centre, Sturt

Nominated by Tash Campos

As a parent & a co-worker I can honestly say this girl was born to work with children, she is warm, compassionate & caring & treats every child as if they were her own! Jordy has left a lasting impact on so many families including mine.

Jessica May Coenen – Where We Grow, Mt Barker

Nominated by Tina Alvero

She had such a positive attitude towards her role and the kids there and was an absolute breath of fresh air. I have never encountered an educator as fun, warm and welcoming as Jess. My children absolutely love and adore here until this day even though they no longer attend childcare.

Bernadette Blatchford – Stepping Stone Tanunda

Nominated by Joanna Rosenzweig

She is extremely passionate about her job and the children are always her first priority, she goes above and beyond with her imagination to create learning experiences within the environment. She has been my biggest role model.

Emma Louise Thurston – Nido Early School Salisbury Downs

Nominated by Adele Browne

The most caring passionate child care teacher. Every child just adores her. She goes above and beyond to ensure every child feels safe and secure and is educated.

Brianna Mccade – Guardian Childcare Flinders Street, Adelaide

Nominated by Dani Cuff

Goes above and beyond, always happy, puts the kids first, combination of play and education. Keeps parents up to date and just loves the kids.

Candice Ross – Mallee Kids Karoonda

Nominated by Leanne White

Candice is very passionate about her job and the children she cares for. The children obviously feel the same way towards her, which shows when she is out in our small community and you see the excitement of her presence on their little faces. She always goes above and beyond to make sure the children are taken care of.

All staff – Port Adelaide TAFE Childcare Centre

Nominated by Xanthy Hatzigeorgiou

Such a caring and generous group of educators and staff. They have always gone above and beyond when it came to the care of my children.

Chloe Liddicoat – Paisley Park Port Pirie

Nominated by Jenna Louise

Chloe’s been there since out little baby started and we’re approaching 3.

Lisa Renee Ainscough – Goodstart Early Learning Hope Valley

Nominated by Suzie Georgiou

She went so far above and beyond her role, as many in the centre did for us. If anyone is looking for an amazing childcare please check out Good Start Hope Valley, we couldn't have been more impressed.

Sheridan Downs – Stepping Stone West Beach

Nominated by Tracy Marks

Always so caring, helpful, nurturing and loving. All the educators at the centre are but Sheridan goes to the next level to make children feel safe and loved. Always there for the family as well. Such a smiling and lovely face. You know your children are in good hands.

Elena – Guardian Childcare Centre Daw Park

Nominated by Emily Wake

Elena is kind, consistent and understands our child’s needs perfectly. An integral team player at the centre!

Susan Burgess – Norwood Community Creche

Nominated by Dee Bills

Susan has been Director of the Creche for almost 35 years and is absolutely incredible. She works tirelessly to ensure the best care for all of the children at the Creche, which is an extension of our home – our kids always have the best time. Our son asks most weekends if he can go! We would be lost without her.

Janet Barratt – Stepping Stone Happy Valley and Vanessa Webb – Precious Cargo Blackwood

Nominated by Kirsty Barratt

With 50+ years experience behind them both they are both the most caring and understanding Educators around. Not a day goes by where they don’t live and breathe the practices that enrich every little person’s lives they have contact with. Now both as Directors of their respective centres they lead their fellow Educators to make early education fun and fulfilling for the children and their families!

Immacolata Lagana – Nazareth Early Learning Centre, Findon

Nominated by Rochelle Petris

The best teacher my son had through his ecc days. Such a warm loving and caring woman who went above and beyond for any child she was in care of.

Emily Schultz – Zebra Early Learning Centre, Hahndorf

Nominated by Jamie May

Emily goes above and beyond for the children and families at her work to ensure that she give quality care and makes everyone feel safe and secure while in her care. She is a great educator and always has a smile on her face and puts 100% effort into her workplace

Suzi Welchmann – Goodstart Early Learning Somerton Park

Nominated by Georgia Wilson

Goes above and beyond everyday for her Nursery children and makes me as a parent feel at ease and calm leaving my daughter in her care.

Jessica Forbes – The Learning Sanctuary, Thebarton

Nominated by Taylah Wright

Nothing is too much for her when it comes down to caring for families as well as staff. The children adore her and she takes the time to make connections with families.

Mel Wray – Chancery Lane Montessori, Adelaide

Nominated by Alison Lines

Always going above and beyond for children, families and staff. Never says no to spending time with the children and making sure each child feels welcome and valued. She always makes parents and families feel welcome and is always there to have a chat.

Lesley Minuti Devenport – Goodstart Early Learning Osborne

Nominated by Kassy Halls

So caring.

Georgina Karipidis – Goodstart Early Learning Mawson Lakes

Nominated by Debbie Petroff

She is the most caring educator. Loved by the children & families. Passionate & goes above & beyond.

Dalton Masterson – Goodstart Early Learning Hope Valley

Nominated by Bianca O’Connor

Always goes above and beyond. The children just adore him as he promotes a fun and loving learning environment.