Two scholarships. Over 150 applications. Countless passionate leaders. One very special announcement. 💗

We are so excited to announce that Helen and Kayla have been selected as the recipients of our two fully funded scholarships for the 2027 Directors Academy!

This is a moment worth celebrating, not just for our two successful recipients, but for the incredible early childhood community that came together to make this opportunity possible.

A sector full of passionate leaders

When we opened applications for our 2027 Directors Academy scholarships, we hoped to create an opportunity for two passionate early childhood leaders to access support, professional development and a community that would encourage them to grow.

What we didn't anticipate was the incredible response.

We received over 150 applications from leaders who are passionate about their roles, committed to their teams and eager to continue developing.

Reading through the applications was a wonderful reminder of the dedication, ambition and care that exists across our sector. Behind every application was someone with a story, a vision for their service and a desire to make a difference.

To every person who took the time to apply, thank you. Your willingness to put yourself forward and invest in your leadership deserves recognition.

Meet our 2027 scholarship recipients!

A huge congratulations to Helen and Kayla! 🎉

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you both as Platinum Leaders and can't wait to be part of your leadership journey throughout 2027.

The Directors Academy is about so much more than completing modules or gaining knowledge. It's about building confidence, challenging the way we think, developing practical leadership skills and creating meaningful change within our services.

It's about having a space where you can ask questions, share experiences, celebrate the little wins and know that you don't have to navigate leadership alone.

Helen and Kayla, we hope this opportunity opens doors, creates new connections and reminds you of just how much potential you have to make a difference.

We can't wait to see what you achieve!

It takes a community

We also want to extend a very special thank you to our trusted Scholarship Selection Circle.

Your time, thoughtfulness and generosity in being part of this process made this opportunity even more meaningful. Having a group of experienced leaders come together to support and invest in the next generation of early childhood leadership is something we are incredibly grateful for.

Creating opportunities for future leaders is not something we do alone. It takes a community that believes in sharing knowledge, encouraging growth and lifting others up.

The next season of your journey begins!

To Helen and Kayla, we welcome you as a Platinum Leader!

And to everyone who applied, supported the scholarship program, shared the opportunity or encouraged someone to put their hand up, thank you for being part of it.

We believe that when we invest in our leaders, we invest in our teams, our services, our children and the future of early childhood education.

Here's to growing confidence, building connections and creating the next generation of incredible early childhood leaders.

Welcome to Directors Academy 2027! 💗

Progress over perfection. One brick at a time.