Southern Wheatbelt early childhood educators recognised with awards for their vital work in regional towns

Early childhood educators from Brookton and Narrogin were recognised for their work in educating and caring for southern Wheatbelt families at the Regional Early Education and Development’s annual conference last month.

REED is a not-for-profit early childhood education and care service for regional families, with centres in Brookton, Narrogin, Corrigin, Cunderdin, Darkan and other locations around the Wheatbelt.

REED Brookton’s team leader Vismi Bhat was presented with the outstanding achievement award and Kayla Lamb took home the trainee of the year award.

Ms Bhat said it was a pleasant surprise when her name was announced.

“I felt a great sense of accomplishment receiving this award and I am very thankful to REED for having recognised my contributions,” she said.

“I have been working at Brookton since January 2018, prior to the amalgamation with REED in October 2019.

“I started working in a casual position in an early childhood education centre in regional WA in 2016 when I was a student and I am currently the team leader at REED Brookton.”

Ms Bhat said she had always been passionate about early childhood education.

“I love working with infants and children and I am very passionate about providing them with the best experiences as I believe that these have a positive impression on their minds,” she said.

“It is very rewarding being an early childhood educator as we get to witness the children blossom into wonderful individuals.”

Ms Lamb, who is presently enrolled in REED’S traineeship program, has been working at REED for the past two years while studying a diploma of early childhood education and care.

“I was surprised that I was nominated for the award but so grateful for the recognition for all my hard work with my studies and how it’s paid off,” Ms Lamb said.

“I love working in a small environment setting where everyone at the centre is so close and so welcoming, it’s a good environment to be around.

“I also love watching the children grow into amazing human beings. I love the support my fellow educators give me with my studying, helping me to grow as an educator.”

Sheillah Jepkorir from REED Narrogin was presented with the Jill Cameron annual educator of the year award and Maddison Boothey received the bright future award.