Rosedale Uniting Kindergarten is an Aunty Rose Bamblett Koori Early Years Legacy Award finalist for embedding rich, Indigenous cultural aspects in its learning program.
A proud Monero Ngarigo woman and an early childhood teacher, Pauline Dent has played a fundamental role in Rosedale Uniting Kindergarten’s cultural inclusivity, developing a program that includes a daily ‘Acknowledgement of Country’, Indigenous artwork displays and the exploration of Indigenous language through song.
Ms Dent has also engaged in working partnerships with Koori education support officers, elders and those in the community who regularly contribute cultural knowledge to support the programs.
Rosedale Uniting Kindergarten takes a holistic approach to developing individual learning goals in collaboration with families, displaying photos, notes and drawings in accessible folders to highlight children’s and parents’ voices.
Feedback from children, parents and the broader community has highlighted the positive impact of the Rosedale Uniting Kindergarten’s inclusiveness towards Koori families.
On Early Childhood Educators’ Day (September 9), early childhood teachers and educators were recognised for their role in shaping the lives of our littlest learners, with the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Ingrid Stitt, revealing the 2023 Victorian Early Years Awards finalists.
Rosedale Uniting Kindergarten was among the 26 Victorian Early Years Awards finalists across nine categories – Improving Access and Participation in Early Learning, Supporting Parents to Build their Capacity and Confidence, Creating Collaborative Community Partnerships, Promoting Children’s Health and Wellbeing, Continuity of Early Learning, Early Childhood Teacher of the Year, The Emeritus Professor Collette Tayler Excellence in Educational Leadership Award, The Aunty Rose Bamblett Koori Early Years Legacy Award and Educator of the Year.
“The Victorian Early Years Awards recognises the incredible commitment shown by Victoria’s Early Childhood sector – giving children the very best start in life and supporting families with expert guidance,” Ms Stitt said.
“A huge congratulations to every finalist in this year’s awards for their outstanding contributions to our children’s learning and development. The professionalism and skill of our early Childhood educators, teachers and leaders are a fundamental part of what makes us the Education State.”
Winners of the 2023 awards will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, November 9.
Each winner will receive $15,000 to further develop their skills or program, with one finalist also receiving the Minister’s Award for dedication and achievement in transforming young children’s learning.