Rebecca NcNamara from Smileys Child Care Centre and Gaby Valente from First Step Early Learning.
Camera IconRebecca NcNamara from Smileys Child Care Centre and Gaby Valente from First Step Early Learning. Credit: Supplied/Robin Kornet d454370

Rebecca McNamara named WA Educator of the Year in Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards

Jessica NicoFremantle Gazette

A LOCAL childcare educator has been dubbed the best in the West.

Rebecca McNamara, who works at White Gum Valley’s Smileys Childcare Centre, was last week named the WA Educator of the Year in the state finals of the Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards.

There was plenty of local talent at the WA finals, with Little Learners Early Development and Education Centre’s Ken Scott Hamilton and First Steps Early Learning Centre’s Gaby Valente named finalists in the Director of the Year category, while both Little Learners and First Steps were named finalists in the Service of the Year Category.

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Ms McNamara said she loved working in early childhood.

“It means I am privileged enough to play a pivotal role in helping children grow, learn and develop into the best they can be, in their own special way,” she said.

“It is so rewarding to see children learning new things and developing new skills, exploring the world around them and discovering how things work.

“I feel very honoured to be named a finalist in the awards.

“I hope that in some way, I can inspire others to reach for the stars and raise the profile for early childhood educators out in the community.”

Ms McNamara has now been named a national finalist, with winners to be announced on June 17.