At Little Scholars School of Early Learning, we are incredibly proud of the passionate, dedicated educators who bring our values to life every single day. Our annual Pillar Awards recognise team members who truly embody our core pillars: Learn, Grow, Inspire, and Contribute.
In 2026, we are thrilled to celebrate four outstanding individuals whose commitment, heart, and impact have made a lasting difference across our communities.
Claire Forbes exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong learner. Her commitment to professional growth is evident in everything she does—actively seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge, reflecting on her practice, and embracing feedback with openness and purpose.
Claire consistently applies new learning to enhance outcomes for children, demonstrating curiosity, initiative, and a genuine passion for best practice. Beyond her own growth, she generously shares her knowledge with colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning within her team.
Her dedication not only strengthens her own practice but creates a ripple effect, positively impacting both her peers and the children in her care.
Llogan Nelson’s journey over the past year is a powerful example of growth in action. Stepping into the role of Lead Educator in the Senior Kindy studio, she embraced a challenging environment and transformed it with determination and resilience.
Faced with behavioural, team, and environmental challenges, Llogan actively sought feedback, welcomed guidance, and consistently looked for ways to improve. Her commitment to implementing strategies discussed in behaviour meetings led to meaningful and lasting change within the studio.
Now transitioning into Kindergarten, Llogan continues to build on this success—working collaboratively to ensure children experience a smooth, positive transition. Her willingness to learn, adapt, and lead with intention truly reflects the spirit of the Grow pillar.
Rylee Misa brings creativity, energy, and heart into everything she creates. As a content creator and events coordinator, she goes above and beyond to design experiences that are meaningful, memorable, and inspiring for children and families alike.
Rylee holds herself to a high standard, always striving to create environments and events that feel thoughtful, engaging, and special. What truly sets her apart is her ability to listen—ensuring the voices of children, families, and her team are reflected in every experience.
Her passion and attention to detail help shape vibrant learning environments where our community feels seen, included, and celebrated. Rylee’s work continues to inspire not only those around her, but the experiences we create as a service.
With nearly a decade of dedicated service, Lyle Bala is the heart of contribution within her centre community. Approaching her 10-year milestone, Lyle continues to go above and beyond for children, families, and her team.
She is always ready to lend a helping hand, never missing an opportunity to support events or step in where needed. Lyle takes immense pride in creating positive, welcoming experiences for families, and her warmth and enthusiasm are felt by everyone she meets.
Her supportive nature helps families feel valued and connected, while her energy and care make each day brighter for the children. Lyle is a truly cherished member of the Little Scholars community.
Each of our 2026 Pillar Award winners represents the very best of Little Scholars School of Early Learning. Through their dedication, passion, and commitment to our values, they help create environments where children, families, and educators can thrive.
We are incredibly grateful for the impact they make every day—and we are so proud to celebrate their achievements.
Congratulations Claire, Llogan, Rylee, and Lyle!
Inspired by our incredible educators? At Little Scholars School of Early Learning, we’re always looking for passionate, dedicated individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Discover what makes our team so special and explore current opportunities here:
As a parent, you may be asking yourself, “Is my child ready to start school next year?” “Should I delay prep?” “How do I know if my child is ready for big school?”
Starting school is a big milestone — for children and families. While age often guides the conversation, true school readiness is about much more than a birthday.
In Queensland, families have flexibility when it comes to starting Prep, and understanding your child’s individual development can help you make the best decision for their learning journey.
In Queensland, children are eligible to start Prep in the year they turn five by 30 June. However, school doesn’t become compulsory until six years and six months, meaning families can choose to delay Prep if they feel their child would benefit from more time to grow and develop.
This flexibility recognises something important: every child develops at their own pace.
School readiness isn’t just about knowing letters, numbers or how to write their name. While early literacy and numeracy are valuable, research shows that a child’s ability to thrive at school depends largely on their social and emotional development.
Key school readiness skills include:
These skills help children feel secure, capable and ready to engage with learning once they begin school.
High-quality early learning plays a vital role in supporting school readiness. In a nurturing and structured environment, children develop essential skills gradually and naturally through play, relationships and meaningful experiences.
At Little Scholars School of Early Learning, our kindergarten programs are thoughtfully designed to support each child’s individual journey. We focus on:
Our qualified early childhood teachers (ECT’s) and educators work closely with families to ensure children feel supported, understood and prepared for their next step — whether that’s starting Prep soon or taking a little more time.
If you’re beginning to think about Prep or wondering whether your child is truly school-ready, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Little Scholars is here to support your family every step of the way.
Families may also be eligible for Free Kindy in Queensland, giving children the opportunity to participate in a high-quality kindergarten program while building the confidence, social skills and emotional readiness needed for a smooth transition to school.
Feel free to book a tour or chat with our team to learn more about our kindergarten programs and how we can support your child’s confidence, development and readiness for school.
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
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