Two Queensland-based Milestones Early Learning Centres have been recognised in local Business Awards, highlighting the role of early education in their communities.
Milestones Early Learning Tugun achieved Finalist status in the Local Business Awards for the Gold Coast region, after enrolled families nominated the centre for excellence.
Centre Manager Jade Cjakowski was thrilled to achieve the recognition, and the entire team also celebrated when their Trainee Educator Tayla Brown was announced Winner of the Youth Award.
“We couldn’t believe we’d been nominated as a service, and then we decided to nominate one of our own educators, Tayla, because she really is an amazing example of what a young educator should be,” Jade explained.
“Tayla always goes above and beyond for the children and it’s so clear she has found her purpose in educating and caring for children, she makes me proud every day.”
“Winning the award means a lot to me, as I love this industry and the team I work with,” said Tayla.
At Milestones Early Learning Roma, Centre Manager Christel Anderson was thrilled to be a finalist in two categories in the 2024 Maranoa Business Awards.
“We were selected as a finalist in the Employer of Choice and Business and Professional Services category, which put us up against some of the larger TAFEs and Mining companies in the region,” explained Christel.
“Our educators work so hard, and they were very proud to showcase what we offer when the judges came to interview and assess us during the Awards process,” she said.
“We are inviting more educators to join us so we can continue to grow and serve our Roma families, so this recognition is a great way of getting our name out in the community,” she said.
Affinity Education Group CEO Tim Hickey gave both teams his congratulations for the local recognition.
"Centre Leaders like Jade and Christel drive Affinity’s centre-based culture of recognition for our Shining Stars, and represent us to their local communities,” Mr Hickey said.
“Both teams are high performing, delivering outstanding professionalism, and really living the team spirit every day. We're extremely proud of them,” he said.