We have some exciting news to share!

YFC Educator Named Finalist in WA Early Childhood Awards 🎉

Yangebup Family Centre is proud to announce that educator Rebecca Apelgren (known to families as Miss Bec) has been named a finalist in the Family’s Choice – Outstanding Educator Award at the ECLD WA Sector Awards.

The awards recognise the passionate individuals and services shaping the future of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) across Western Australia. The winners will be announced on 27 March 2026 at the The University Club of Western Australia.

Miss Bec was nominated by Yangebup Family Centre parent Shenae Gaudet, who highlighted the exceptional care, creativity and dedication she and the Pre-Kindy team bring to the children and families they support each day.

In her nomination, Shenae described how the Centre creates a warm, inclusive environment where every child and family feels valued and supported. She recalled her first day leaving her eldest son at Pre-Kindy and the empathy shown by staff.

“On the first day dropping my eldest off and leaving him for the first time, I was welcomed with an empathetic hug and a hot coffee after leaving him, followed up with an email and photo of him having a great day. Such a personal and kind gesture showing just a small part of their values,” she said.

Parents consistently praise the Centre’s play-based learning program for its creativity and attention to detail. From making pasta from scratch and preparing “Gruffalo Crumble” to celebrating cultural traditions and welcoming community members such as a local dentist, the program provides hands-on experiences that connect learning to the real world.

One activity that stood out to families was the “Magic with Boxes” experience. After reading the book Magic in Boxes, Miss Bec surprised the children by opening the classroom doors to reveal a room filled with recycled cardboard boxes contributed by families. Children spent the morning building spaceships, castles, houses and boats, using paint, glue and craft materials while educators supported problem-solving, storytelling and teamwork.

Shenae said these experiences demonstrate how educators transform simple resources into rich learning opportunities.
“This wasn’t just craft time, it was a multi-disciplinary exploration of design, communication and creativity,” she said.

Miss Bec is also known for observing children’s interests and turning them into meaningful learning experiences. For example, one child’s love of playdough inspired a weekly themed playdough table featuring different colours, scents, tools and natural elements to encourage creativity, sensory exploration and engagement.

Beyond the classroom, Yangebup Family Centre actively builds strong partnerships with families through daily communication, community events and initiatives such as “Brekky n Go” mornings where families can connect with educators.

For Miss Bec, early childhood education is about creating a space where children feel safe to explore the world around them.
“In a world that moves quickly and too often feels divided, I believe childhood should be protected as a space of wonder, safety and possibility,” she said.

“By fostering curiosity, imagination and empathy, we are shaping individuals who will contribute positively to the world around them.”
Being named a finalist recognises the passion, innovation and commitment Miss Bec brings to her work and the positive impact she has on children, families and the wider community.

Yangebup Family Centre congratulates Miss Bec and the other finalists and looks forward to celebrating the achievements of early childhood educators across Western Australia at the awards ceremony later this month.