At Mother Duck Childcare, we believe that when we invest in the growth of our educators, we’re not just building stronger teams—we’re shaping futures, uplifting communities, and creating lasting change.

This blog celebrates five extraordinary educators who have completed their Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care through the Queensland Government’s ECEC Scholarship Program. Each of them, now a qualified Kindergarten Teacher, equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to more effectively lead learning, support their teams, and impact outcomes for children.

A Journey of Dedication and Discovery

What makes this achievement so significant is the depth of experience behind it. These educators weren’t new to the early childhood sector—they were long-standing professionals, each with over a decade of service at Mother Duck Childcare. 

For these dedicated educators, further study had long felt out of reach. The cost of tertiary education, combined with family responsibilities and full-time work, made it difficult to pursue formal qualifications. The Queensland Government’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) scholarship program helped remove those barriers. It provided financial support and flexibility, enabling experienced educators to gain the qualifications needed to become Kindergarten Teachers—something they may never have imagined possible.

Rebecca reflected on the difference this support made:

“Thanks to the scholarship’s wrap around supports, I could study without taking time off work. Years ago, I had to give up on my Bachelor because I couldn’t afford the time away—this support made all the difference.”

Zoe, an Educator from Mother Duck Childcare Lawnton, shared:

“After more than 20 years as an educator, this scholarship gave me something I never thought possible—confidence, growth, and the chance to finally become a qualified Kindergarten Teacher. I’m deeply grateful.”

The Ripple Effect: Better Outcomes for All

The impact of these scholarships has been far-reaching:

• For educators: Personal growth, financial empowerment, and professional pride
• For teams: Stronger leadership, deeper collaboration, and shared expertise
• For children and families: Enhanced care, responsive teaching, and an enriched culture of safety and wellbeing

Approved Providers have also seen the benefits firsthand. Kaylie Haddon, Approved Provider and Franchisee at Mother Duck Childcare Kallangur, shared:

“As an Approved Provider, I have watched firsthand as our two educators in the scholarship program have developed as professionals. Their growth has positively impacted our teams.”

Louise Batterham, Approved Provider and Franchisee at Mother Duck Childcare Carindale, added:

“Because my educators could complete their pracs at our Service, I maintained staffing consistency and avoided disruptions—leading to better outcomes for children. It has been such a wonderful opportunity that we hope to access again.”

A Legacy of Encouragement: Karen Prestedge

The culture of growth and professional learning at Mother Duck Childcare is strongly influenced by the legacy of our Managing Director, Miss Karen Prestedge.

After completing her Bachelor of Education at QUT in 1997, Karen began her career as a Kindergarten Teacher at our Carindale service in 1998. Her firsthand experience of how tertiary study deepens understanding of child development and pedagogy has shaped her leadership ever since.

Karen has consistently prioritised creating pathways for educators to pursue further study, and this commitment is reflected in how we recruit, train, and lead our teams. 

“Government funded programs like this recognise the value of early childhood educators and help retain experienced professionals in early childhood education. It is now more than ever, that our sector must retain experienced professionals. Securing tertiary qualifications also ensures educators are renumerated for their expertise and dedication.” – Karen Prestedge, Managing Director – Mother Duck Childcare

A lasting impact:

These five educators demonstrate the tangible impact of investing in professional development—an achievement made possible through government-funded scholarships. At a time when the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is under significant pressure, continued funding for scholarships is a vital strategy to strengthen our workforce. 

It not only builds professional capacity across the sector, but also recognises the dedication of educators who give so much of themselves every day to support the wellbeing and development of our youngest citizens.