Dawesville family day care educator Sheridon den Ridder has been recognised as one of the nation’s finest early childhood educators.
Ms den Ridder has been announced as the Mandurah and Peel regional winner in the 2018 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
Ms den Ridder, said she was humbled to have been nominated.
“Having only been open since February I was very humbled to have even been nominated by my families and other educators,” she said.
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“When I received the notification I had actually won for the Mandurah Peel Region I was in shock.
“I was out having lunch with my own little girl and was brought to tears.
I believe I can give families a wonderful home environment putting many of those feelings at rest.
- Sheridon den Ridder
“It was such an amazing outcome for our family daycare and I am so thankful to our wonderful community.”
The mother-of-five said she understood the natural fears and anxieties from both families and children going into daycare.
“I believe I can give families a wonderful home environment putting many of those feelings at rest,” she said.
“Being in such a small ratio environment gives me the opportunity to really focus on each child’s individuality and be there for them to grow and develop into these amazing tiny humans which I just love.
“They instantly just become part of the family. I really do love my job and I am so happy I am able to provide a wonderful balance for my own family, work and love and nurture my daycare children. “
Family Day Care Australia chief Andrew Paterson said the awards continued to shine a light on the important role that family day care plays for families all across the country.
“The Excellence in Family Day Care Awards highlight the special contribution that educators like Sheridon make to the lives of the children in their care,” he said.
“To be chosen as a regional winner is not only a reward for Sheridon’s dedication to providing quality early childhood education and care, it also underlines the relationship that Sheridon has with the children in her care.”
Sheridon now goes in the running to be named as a national finalist in the awards.
National finalists will be announced on August 6 2018.
Ms den Ridder, who is registered with Wanslea Metropolitan Family Day Care, is one of 18,000 family day care educators who play a vital role in the lives of more than 112,000 families around the country.
As well as the honour of being named National Educator of the Year, national finalists and national winners will share in a host of prizes including professional development and programming grants.
