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When is Early Childhood Educators’ Day? (2025)

by Joleen Gan on April 24, 2025

Early Childhood Educators’ Day is a time for Australians to come together and show gratitude for the amazing work our early learning professionals do. With over 200,000 early childhood educators working across Australia, this day is a chance to honour their dedication and impact on future generations. Whether you’re a parent, a fellow educator, or part of the wider community, this day is your chance to say a heartfelt thanks to the people who help shape the future—one child at a time.

From inspiring Early Childhood Educators' Day quotes to thoughtful Early Childhood Educators' Day gift ideas, there are plenty of ways to get involved. So if you're wondering when Early Childhood Educators' Day 2025 is or how to make it special, this guide has you covered.

What is Early Childhood Educators’ Day?

Early Childhood Educators' Day is a national day of recognition that celebrates the dedication, passion, and positive impact early childhood educators have on young children across Australia. It's about acknowledging the tireless work they do in nurturing, teaching, and supporting children in their most formative years—often going above and beyond every single day.

Services and communities across Australia get involved with activities like morning teas, dress-up days, appreciation walls, and more. Families are encouraged to join in by writing thank-you cards, posting on social media, or getting creative with Early Childhood Educators’ Day gifts.

When is Early Childhood Educators’ Day?

In 2025, Early Childhood Educators' Day will be held on Wednesday, 3 September. It's celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of September, giving everyone a chance to pause and appreciate the educators helping raise the next generation.

Why is Early Childhood Educators' Day Celebrated in September?

September was chosen as it aligns with early spring in Australia—a season symbolising growth, learning, and new beginnings, much like the role of early childhood educators. It also falls nicely within the calendar year, allowing schools and centres to plan meaningful celebrations before end-of-year busyness.

Upcoming Early Childhood Educators’ Day Dates for the Next 5 Years

Year Date
2025 3rd September
2026 2nd September
2027 1st September
2028 6th September
2029 5th September

History of Early Childhood Educators’ Day

Early Childhood Educators' Day was founded in 2011 in Brisbane by the Australian Childcare Alliance's Queensland state body. It was created to recognise the essential role that early childhood educators play in our communities. It originated from a need to formally celebrate these professionals who help lay the groundwork for children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Why is Early Childhood Educators’ Day Important?

Early childhood educators do more than just care for kids. They're role models, nurturers, and teachers who support every child’s growth and confidence.

The Impact of Early Childhood Educators

Educators help children develop critical social and emotional skills, build resilience, and foster curiosity. According to government leaders and sector advocates, they are the "beating heart" of early learning services. Their contribution plays a vital role in long-term educational and life outcomes for children.

Recognising their work through Early Childhood Educators’ Day gifts or a simple thank you note can go a long way in showing appreciation.

Early Childhood Educators’ Day 2025 Theme and Past Themes

Each year, a theme is chosen to help guide celebrations and messages of appreciation. These themes often highlight important values such as diversity, community, and the role of educators in shaping future generations. While the 2025 theme hasn’t been released yet, past themes have included:

  • 2024: “Embracing diversity has early beginnings”
  • 2023: “Planting the seeds for a better future”
  • 2022: “Shaping their world”
  • 2021: “Rain or shine, we're here!”
  • 2020: “Essential and I know it!”

How to Celebrate Early Childhood Educators’ Day

There are plenty of fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Early Childhood Educators' Day Australia-wide:

Celebration Ideas for Early Learning Centres

  • Host a morning tea or appreciation breakfast
  • Create an Appreciation Wall where families can leave messages
  • Plan a Superhero Dress-Up Day
  • Organise themed events like BBQs, picnics, or show days
  • Decorate classrooms or common areas with thank-you signs and posters

Ways Families Can Get Involved

  • Write handmade thank-you cards with your child
  • Bring small treats or gifts to educators
  • Share a kind message with your child’s centre director
  • Post a shout-out on social media using the official hashtag

Ideas for Workplace and Community Appreciation

  • Local businesses can donate gifts or vouchers
  • Community leaders can issue public messages of thanks
  • Employers with early learning staff can acknowledge them internally

Early Childhood Educators’ Day Quotes

Early Childhood Educators’ Day Quotes for Cards

  • "To the world, you may be just a teacher, but to your students, you are a hero."
  • "Thank you for helping little minds grow and big hearts shine."

Social Media Messages for Early Childhood Educators’ Day

  • "Behind every young child who believes in themselves is an early childhood educator who believed in them first."
  • "Let’s celebrate the champions of early learning—our educators! #EarlyChildhoodEducatorsDay"

Display Quotes for Early Childhood Educators’ Day

  • "Early childhood educators plant seeds of knowledge that grow forever."
  • "Every child deserves a champion—an adult who never gives up on them."

Early Childhood Educators’ Day Gift Ideas

Looking for Early Childhood Educators' Day gift ideas that will really hit the mark? Here are some suggestions:

Budget-Friendly Early Childhood Educators’ Day Gift Ideas

  • Handmade cards or art from children
  • Scented candles or bath bombs
  • Coffee vouchers or tea samplers

Group Gift Ideas for Early Childhood Educators’ Day

  • A giant thank-you card signed by all the children
  • Custom gift baskets
  • A team lunch or morning tea funded by families

Last-Minute Early Childhood Educators’ Day Gifts

  • Digital gift cards
  • Flowers from a local market
  • Personalised note and treat combo (think cupcake + thank you message)

Looking for thoughtful Early Childhood Educators' Day gifts? As one of Australia's largest edible gifting companies, we specialise in delivering fun, personalised gifts all across Australia. If you're thinking to send a gift to a group of teachers, or organising a morning tea for your early educators, we have bulk packs to ensure every teacher has a sweet treat. Add a confetti explosion that bursts confetti when the gift is opened - because teachers deserve some fun too! Explore our Early Childhood Educators' Day gifts to find the perfect gift for them!


This Early Childhood Educators' Day 2025, take the time to recognise the incredible educators who make a lasting difference in our children’s lives. A small gesture can mean the world to someone who's been there every step of the way.

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