Two extraordinary Family Day Care educators from Baulkham Hills Family Day Care (BHFDC), a long-standing service run by Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, have been celebrated for their exceptional dedication to early childhood education in the 2025 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
Congratulations to Afroza Yasmin (North West & Hills District) and Anju Dewangan (Parramatta & Western Suburbs) for their exceptional dedication, compassionate care, and consistent delivery of high-quality early learning through Baulkham Hills Family Day Care.
Individually, they’re creating warm, safe, and nurturing spaces where children can learn, grow and flourish.
Emma Low, Early Childhood Teacher and Coordinator of BHFDC said Afroza and Anju “bring heart, warmth and professionalism to every child in their care.”
“They embody the very best of family day care – creating safe, engaging environments where children feel valued, supported and connected.”
What makes Family Day Care unique
Family Day Care is unlike any other form of early childhood education. With small groups in a home-like setting, it offers consistency of care, personalised learning, flexibility and a true sense of family.
“Educators build strong, trusting relationships with children, supporting their growth, curiosity and wellbeing every day,” Emma said.
“Small groups, individual attention, and a caring home environment allow educators to tailor experiences to each child, fostering confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. After all, learning through play is the very best educational approach there is.”
Helen Emmerson, Executive Director at Catholic Care, was delighted to hear the news, adding, “I am delighted to see educators like Anju and Afroza recognised for their outstanding work.”
“Their dedication to creating safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments reflects the heart of Catholic Care’s Family Day Care service, and it’s inspiring to celebrate their commitment to excellence and child wellbeing.”
Safe, affordable and personalised care
The timing of this recognition is especially meaningful as it coincides with National Child Protection Week (7–13 September).
Helen said it serves as a reminder that high-quality care and safeguarding go hand in hand, and that each day, silent heroes like Afroza and Anju are living examples of the positive side of early childhood education and care.
“Catholic Care’s Family Day Care services are built on the principle that every child deserves to feel safe, supported and cherished,” Helen said.
“Our Statement of Commitment to Child Safety underlines everything we do.”
Afroza and Anju now move into the running for the National Educator Finalists, with winners to be announced at the FDCA 2025 National Conference Gala Dinner in Melbourne.
Congratulations Afroza, Anju, and all of Catholic Care’s Family Day Care educators, for their unwavering dedication to child safety, personalised care and nurturing the next generation.
Visit Family Day Care Australia to read the full list of regional winners.
To learn more or book a family day care service near you, visit Baulkham Hills Family Day Care.
Catholic Care offers early childhood education and care – and so much more, providing support when it’s needed most. Visit Catholic Care to learn more about our services.
