Blue Mountains Family Day Care services recognised in national awards

Two Blue Mountains Family Day Care services have been recognised as among Australia’s finest early childhood educators, in the Family Day Care Australia Excellence Awards.

Mark and Michelle Tregillgas of Moochy Kids Family Day Care in Winmalee won the Educator of the Year Blue Mountains and Central West regional award, while Emma McMullan of Tiny Tykes Family Day Care in Agnes Banks won the Educator of the Year Richmond and Hawkesbury regional award.

Blue Mountains Family Day Care Service Supervisor, Bev Foden, said: “I am so pleased for Mark and Michelle Tregillgas, and Emma McMullan. These awards provide well-deserved recognition for the excellent services they provide for children and families in our region.

“They show the appreciation our Family Day Care educators receive from their families and peers, and acknowledge the important role of educators in the lives of children.”

Blue Mountains Family Day Care, run by Blue Mountains City Council, has been providing care for children throughout the Blue Mountains and adjacent areas for almost forty years.  The service prides itself on delivering childcare that is relationship-focused, giving children a warm and nurturing environment to grow and develop their learning and social skills.

Mark and Michelle Tregillgas, who emphasise the importance of outdoor play in their service, said: “We are fortunate to live within easy access to a World Heritage Area where we can expose the children to activities that challenge and excite them. 

“We help them to feel the freedom to explore, climb and run, all the while learning and understanding their limits. We are able to learn together about our first Australians and care for our local environment.

“We have such wonderful families who nominated us for this award. When you become a Moochy Kid (past or present) you become part of our family. This gives the children confidence to grow and a feeling of security away from home. We aim to provide a caring, trusting and non-competitive environment in which the children can grow as individuals and friends.”

Winner of the Richmond and Hawkesbury Award Emma McMullan said: “I feel honoured that my families have taken the time and effort to nominate me for the award and that I am being recognised for the hard work I do every day. 

“I believe I was nominated due to my strong rapport with all of the families in my service. They know they can discuss any issues they are experiencing and we will work together to find a solution. The families put a lot of trust in me and always comment on the amazing experiences their child get to experience like jumping in puddles, going on excursions to the park or engaging in messy play.”

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill congratulated the winners and said: “Blue Mountains Family Day Care’s mission is to empower educators to deliver high quality home-based child care by honouring the rich diversity that exists among Family Day Care homes and collaborating with families, educators and the community to achieve the best outcomes for children.

“These awards celebrate the quality child care provided by these wonderful educators, as well as Council’s continued delivery of this excellent service.”

More than 5,000 nominations were received from all around Australia for the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

For more information on becoming a Blue Mountains Family Day Care educator or to enquire about enrolling your child call 4780 5280 or visit bmcc.nsw.gov/au/familydaycare

Photo: Mark and Michelle Tregillgas with (from left to right) Eli Mathieson, Hudson Hodge, Fletcher Reynolds, Ezekiel Johnson.