Community Kids Mount Gambier Early Education Centre has been recognised as South Australia’s top-performing regional childcare centre, taking home the Regional State Winner title in the 2024 KindiCare Excellence Awards.

Centre Manager Kerri Scherer credits the achievement to the passionate and caring team of educators and teachers who place children’s wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.

“We value the experience and knowledge each team member brings and support each other to share and explore ideas,” Kerri said.

“This creates a dynamic, enriching, and inclusive environment where children can thrive.”

The centre’s vibrant and diverse team celebrates children’s differences, nurtures autonomy, and ensures every child’s voice is heard, and a carefully crafted learning program supports children’s growth and development.

A standout feature of Community Kids Mount Gambier’s learning program is the focus on fostering a sense of belonging. The centre’s innovative activities, such as collaborative emotion journals and a cultural map of the world, encourage children to explore emotions and celebrate their cultural heritage.

“The cultural map is a constantly evolving project that invites children to share conversations about their backgrounds and learn about others,” Kerri explained.

“It’s a wonderful way to highlight what makes us unique while also fostering connection.”

The centre also emphasises building connections within the local community through engaging incursions and excursions. Highlights include musical collaborations with Mount Gambier High School and a heartwarming kindness initiative with a local hospital.

“The children have had the chance to play instruments and enjoy live orchestra performances at the high school, which has been an incredible experience,” Kerri said.

“They’ve also created and delivered drawings to hospital patients and nurses, spreading joy and kindness throughout the community.”

The educators and teachers at Community Kids Mount Gambier also have the opportunity to benefit from G8 Education’s robust training hub, which offers extensive professional development resources. This commitment to learning ensures fresh and innovative ideas are continually integrated into their teaching practices.

Reflecting on the centre’s award win, Kerri said, “We are proud to reflect on the practices that brought us here and we are excited to explore new possibilities for the future.”

The KindiCare Excellence Awards celebrate the top performing early childhood education and care centres across Australia. Community Kids Mount Gambier’s recognition is a testament to the centre’s outstanding work, and G8 Education celebrates the team’s continued success in fostering a nurturing and educational environment for its community’s families.

To learn more about Community Kids Mount Gambier or book a tour, please visit their website.