Sutherland Shire's youngest residents are in very good hands, with three of Sutherland Shire Council's childcare providers taking out top honours at the 2019 Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards.
The council-run Moore Street Sutherland Early Education Centre won the Large Community Metropolitan Service Excellence Award category while two family day care operators also received top honours at the awards.
Renata Stipanovic, who provides family day care at Sylvania, won the Excellence in Indoor Learning Environment award while Kelly Hedderman, who offers family day care from her Yowie Bay home, topped the Excellence In Outdoor Learning Environment category.
They were among 12 finalists from Sutherland Shire Council's childcare team, which includes 11 early education centres and 27 family day care educators.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce said all the winners were very deserving and their awards were testament to the great work they do every day.
"This recognition reflects their quality learning programs, the environments available to the children, the partnerships they have with families and their non-negotiable commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality," Cr Pesce said.
"They go over and above when it comes to the care and connection they have with the children and families."