Deniliquin’s Kirsty Thomas has been honoured for her nurturing, inclusive and creative approach to educating young children and connecting with her community.

The Intereach Family Day Care educator was named Regional Educator of the Year for the Wagga Wagga and Riverina area (NSW) in the 2024 FDCA Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

“Receiving this award is incredibly special to me, as it represents meaningful recognition of the passion and dedication I invest in supporting the growth and development of each child in my care,” she said.

“It validates the hard work, creativity, and love I put into creating a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

“It also highlights the strong relationships I’ve built with the children, their families, and the wider community – connections that are essential to the success of my service.”

When Kirsty started her career as a Family Day Care educator with Intereach almost three years ago, her primary goal was to create an environment where every child feels loved, valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

“I aspire to leave a lasting positive impact on each child I have the privilege of caring for by nurturing their love of learning and helping them develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive as they grow,” she said.

“During their time in my care, I focus on supporting their individual strengths and needs, empowering them to become confident, independent learners who can connect meaningfully with the world around them.”

Intereach Family Day Care program manager Rebecca Fitzpatrick said Kirsty had worked tirelessly to build strong, supported relationships with the children and families in her service in a short period of time.

“Her creativity and ability to provide aesthetically pleasing interest-based learning experiences are second to none,” she said.

“For an educator new to the FDC space, Kirsty has embraced community connections, embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into her program and connecting with local Aboriginal women.

“Kirsty and her children also regularly engage in an intergenerational play session at a local aged care facility.”

Kirsty chose a career in Family Day Care because of the flexibility to balance her personal life while pursuing her passion for early childhood education.

“This career allows me to create a home-like, individualised environment where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore, learn, and grow,” she said.

“The smaller group setting allows me to develop a deeper understanding of each child’s unique needs, personality, and interests. It’s truly rewarding to witness their milestones, whether it’s a child mastering new vocabulary, building their confidence in sharing ideas, or exploring new interests.

“I also value the creative freedom that comes with running my own business. Creating a nurturing space where learning is both fun and meaningful is what makes this role so fulfilling for me.

“What I love most is the incredible relationships that I’m able to build with both the children and their families.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have started my Family Day Care journey with Intereach. Their invaluable support has played a significant role in my professional growth and commitment to providing quality care.”

The national finalists will be announced today (October 15), with the winner presented on November 23.

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Sunday, 1st October 2023

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