The educator at Colleen Gale Children’s Services in Hunterview is one of nine finalists in New South Wales for the prestigious award presented by Australian Family.

Carol has been a childcare educator for 22 years and at Colleen Gale since the early days of the service. She is a senior team member, leading education and care at the service and initiates program changes and development of educator resources.

Colleen Gale Children’s Services Director Rebecca Gilmore says the whole team is very proud of Carol’s achievement.

“We are honoured to work with such a dedicated educator who is a mentor and leader within the centre,” she says. “Carol is a devoted advocate for children and ensures all have the opportunity to be representated and heard in the program.

“Carol’s play-based approach is thoughtful of each child’s physical, emotional, cultural and linguistic diversity and she is an active leader in the reflection and progress of authentic assessments of children.

“Carol’s empathy and care about people radiates through her actions and initiatives. Her cultivation of ideas and contribution is always people-focused and her attention to partnerships with families is evident in their responses to her. Carol represents what we feel is Australian’s best early educator.”

Carol is now in the running to be named a state winner with professional development grants and other prizes to be won. State winners will go on to be judged in the national competition.

There were more than 1200 nominees across four categories in the 2014 Early Education and Care Awards from across Australia.