To many parents, a preschool classroom can look deceptively simple.
But as he watched his daughter play with her classmates, Professor Kenneth Poon saw something more – not just as a father, but also as a psychologist and educator: a skilled early childhood educator carefully observing, guiding and responding to the needs of every child.
Preschool educator observing the children’s responses in a cultural activity of drying fish.
With early childhood educators increasingly expected to make complex professional judgements in response to a diverse range of children, families and social contexts, the demands of the profession have evolved. As a result, the public’s understanding and appreciation of the profession is also shifting.
A MILESTONE FOR THE EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSION
Early childhood educators do far more than nurture young children. They draw on deep expertise in child development, pedagogy, observation and professional judgement to support every child's growth.
Since 2013, the ECDA Awards have recognised excellence across the sector. Now, the launch of the President's Award for Early Childhood Professionals (PA-EC) takes that recognition to a new level.
Previously conferred in fields such as science, technology, healthcare and the environment, the President's Award has been expanded to include early childhood professionals for the first time.
"If we aspire to be a society in which every child can flourish, then we must value the people who play such an instrumental role in creating the environments and relationships that enable this," said Prof Poon.
Educator engaging the children in a sensorial outdoor story reading.
WHY GREAT EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS MATTER
The impact of early childhood educators extends far beyond the preschool years, said Dr Rebecca Chan, a lecturer with NIE's Psychology and Child and Human Development Academic Group.
"The early years are critical to children's brain development, learning and well-being," she explained. "Children who receive quality care and education are more likely to become active, valuable contributors to our society."
The impact can be even greater for children who may not have an enabling home learning environment, added Dr Chan, who has also served as an ECDA Awards judge for the past five years.
PA-EC aims to grant educators a greater sense of meaning and purpose in their work. Beyond recognising outstanding individuals, “it affirms the professional importance of the sector itself,” said Prof Poon.
AWARDS RECOGNISE MORE THAN INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE
Dr Chan believes awards do more than celebrate individual achievements. They can spotlight the values and practices that move the profession forward.
She recalled an ECDA Awards nominee whose passion for inclusive practices and supporting children with learning and developmental needs led her to form a cross-disciplinary team beyond her own organisation.
"Her motivation wasn't to win an award," said Dr Chan. "It was to realise her vision of helping children." This, she added, is exactly the kind of professional purpose and commitment that awards should inspire.
Preschool educator engaged in sea creative puppet play with the children in her class.
A PROFESSION BUILT ON PURPOSE AND EXPERTISE
Dr Chan hopes the PA-EC will deepen public appreciation for the professionalism, intentionality and meaning behind a career in early childhood education.
"The work is as much an art as it is a science," she said. It requires a strong understanding of child development and the ability to translate theory into practices that build trusting relationships with children and families.
WHEN EDUCATORS THRIVE, CHILDREN BENEFIT
Prof Poon shares her hope that recognition will do more than express appreciation.
"It should also say: What you do matters profoundly, and excellence in this profession is something our society values."
Great educators, he said, take the time to understand each child, then use evidence and professional judgement to help them learn, develop and flourish.
THE TRUE MEASURE OF EXCELLENCE
Ultimately, excellence is not defined by what educators do, said Prof Poon.
"It is what becomes possible for the child because of what the educator does."
