The Provincial awards for Early Childhood Education were established by the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development in August 2025 to acknowledge the leadership role Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) play in the early learning sector.

The Provincial Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education honours outstanding ECEs who demonstrate exemplary practice, innovation, and leadership in fostering high-quality early learning environments. This award recognizes individuals whose dedication supports the growth and development of young children, strengthens families, and advances the early learning and child care sector across the province.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The Provincial Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Award recipients are innovative educators who:

• provide high-quality programs and exemplary educational opportunities for the children in their program.
• are educators that have made a significant contribution to quality, inclusive early learning and child care at their service.
• demonstrate excellence in building relationships with children, families, and communities.

Nominees will be evaluated on the evidence of exemplary achievements in these four areas:

1. Innovative educational practices and leadership
2. Responding to the diverse needs of all learners
3. Lifelong learning/Mentorship
4. Fostering a positive learning environment

GUIDELINES

Nominations for the 2025 Provincial Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education must be submitted by October 31, 2025 at 11:59 pm. Late entries will not be considered.

Who is eligible?

• Nominees must hold Level I, II, III, or IV provincial Child Care Services Certification.

• Nominees must be currently employed in a regulated child care service (child care centres and family child care services) or Family Resource Centre (FRC) in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Nominees must have at least two consecutive years of experience in regulated child care services (child care centres and family child care services), or FRCs. ECEs must be working directly with children.
• The selection committee will consider regional representation in the selection of award winners (Metro, Central, Western, and Labrador).

Who can nominate?

Nominators may be any person or group with direct knowledge of the nominee’s contribution, such as:

• Parent/caregiver
• Colleague
• Administrator/licensee/supervisor

Self-nominations or nominations from immediate family members will not be accepted.

What do recipients receive?

• The Minister will present the awards to recipients at a special ceremony in St. John’s in December 2025. Award recipients will receive travel support to attend the ceremony.
• A plaque/award from the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.
• Promotion of their professional practice in the field of early learning.
• Provincial recognition for their contribution to excellence in the early learning sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

NOMINATE AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR

Nominators need to submit a nomination package that includes:

• A completed and signed nomination form (email or Microsoft form), including a description that will outline how the educator meets the selection criteria.
• A signed letter of support from the nominee’s supervisor.
• Optional: 1-2 letter(s)/testimonial(s) of support

SUBMITTING NOMINATIONS

Nominations can be sent by email or Microsoft form:

• Email submissions can be sent to ECEAwards@gov.nl.ca by October 31, 2025 at 11:59 pm. The total file size cannot exceed 20MB. After submitting the nomination, you will receive a confirmation email.
• Microsoft form: The Provincial Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education Nomination Form

 

ECE Award Nomination Submission (Email)

Please copy the following nomination information into an email and send to ECEAwards@gov.nl.ca by October 31, 2025 at 11:59 pm. The total file size cannot exceed 20MB. After submitting the nomination, you will receive a confirmation email.

Nominee Information

• Name:
• Email:
• Primary Phone Number:
• Current Place of Employment:
• Position:
• Region:
• Community (Town/City):
• Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) Child Care Certification Number:
• Certification Level/Classification:
• Years of Service:
• Date:

 

Nominator Information

• Name:
• Email:
• Primary Phone Number:
• Current Place of Employment:
• Position:
• Relationship to Nominee:
• How long have you known the nominee?
• In what professional context have you collaborated with or witnessed the nominee’s work?
• Nominator Signature:
• Date:

 

Required Criteria for Nominator Responses

Please limit your response to 100–200 words and include specific examples from the nominee’s professional experience.

1. Innovative Educational Practices and Leadership

How has the nominee demonstrated innovation in their educational practices or leadership within their early learning environment?

Please share specific examples of creative approaches, initiatives, or leadership strategies that have positively impacted children or staff.

2. Responding to the Diverse Needs of All Learners

In what ways has the nominee effectively supported the diverse needs of children in their care?

Consider examples that reflect inclusive practices, cultural responsiveness, or individualized support for children with varying abilities or backgrounds.

3. Lifelong Learning and Mentorship

How does the nominee model lifelong learning or contribute to the professional growth of others?

You may include examples of mentorship, participation in professional development, or efforts to inspire and support colleagues.

4. Fostering a Positive Learning Environment

Describe how the nominee creates a nurturing and engaging learning environment for children.

Include examples that show how they build strong relationships, promote well-being, and foster a sense of belonging.

5. Community and Family Engagement

How has the nominee established meaningful relationships with families and the broader community?

Please share examples of collaboration, communication, or initiatives that strengthen connections.

6. Impact and Contribution to Quality Early Learning

What lasting impact has the nominee made on the quality of early learning and child care at their service?

Highlight any significant contributions, improvements, or recognitions that reflect their commitment to excellence.

Criteria optional 1-2 letter(s)/testimonial(s) of support:

• Nominee Information:
  • Name
  • Place of Employment
  • Position
  • Region
  • Community (Town/City)
• Testimonial provided by:
  • Name
  • Relationship to Nominee
  • Phone Number
  • Email
• Testimonial (500 words max):
  • How has this ECE demonstrated excellence in the field of early learning?