Tiny Dots win top spot at state awards

A GEELONG-based children’s charity has been recognised with statewide honours for its commitment to early childhood development.

Tiny Dots Early Intervention was awarded the Promoting Children’s Health and Wellbeing category title at the 2024 Victorian Early Years Awards.

The VEYA annually celebrate outstanding work of our early childhood sector to improve the learning, health and wellbeing of Victorian children and their families.

Winners were announced earlier this month by Minister for Children, Lizzie Blandthorn at a ceremony in Melbourne.

Tiny Dots offers screening, multidisciplinary assessments, and short-term interventions for children aged from 0 to 2 showing signs of disability or developmental delay, aiming to improve long-term neurological development and wellbeing.

Their community care screening clinic is staffed by experienced speech pathologists and has provided free and accessible development to 163 children since 2022.

Many vulnerable and disadvantaged children in lower socio-economic suburbs of Geelong have also been provided with free and heavily subsidised screening and assessments through targeted outreach.

Tiny Dots founder Laura Alobaidy said the team were thrilled to take out the award and a $15,000 grant.

“We are honoured for the Victorian government’s recognition of our pioneering programs. We are a small independent charity with big dreams for our children’s future.

“Our Tiny Dots team unites health and education professionals working in the early years which is profoundly important.

“This award will help us to fast-track therapy for children and help us to smooth the pathway to ongoing support for vulnerable children.”

Ms Harvey said the $15,000 grant will be used to support professional development and empower its frontline professionals to share their knowledge with others in the field.

For the full list of winners, head to the VEYA tab on the Victorian Government website.