Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open!
Submit your nomination by July 17, 2026, at 4:30 pm (MDT).
Overview
Early childhood educators (ECEs) show resilience and dedication to continue meeting the childcare needs of families in their communities. Every day, working parents rely on their licensed childcare provider so they can go to work or school. This is essential for families and subsequently the economy overall.
The Minister’s Awards of Excellence in Child Development recognize the important work of certified early childhood educators, childcare leaders and providers working in licensed childcare programs who make life better for children and families across Alberta. Nominating these educators, leaders, teams and programs honours excellence in their field. Doing so also celebrates their outstanding work with children in licensed childcare programs across Alberta.
A new leadership category was added in 2025 that recognizes the hard work and dedication of staff in a leadership position within a childcare program. These leaders may not work directly with children but provide support to ECEs on their team.
Categories
Twelve awards are available, with 3 awards in each category:
Individuals
Certified early childhood educators working with children in a licensed program.
Teams
A team of 2 to 4 certified early childhood educators working with children in a licensed program.
Programs
A licensed childcare program where certified early childhood educators work directly with children.
Leadership
A person working in a childcare program who may not work directly with children but supports certified early childhood educators in a licensed program.
Eligibility
How to apply
Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open! To nominate an individual, team, program or leader, nominators must:
- download and fill out the Nomination Form
- submit the nomination package to [email protected]
Nominations are open until July 17, 2026, at 4:30 pm (MDT).
2025 Award recipients
For the 2025 awards, the Alberta government received 100 nominations from across the province. Congratulations to the award winners and nominees. The names of last year's award recipients are listed below.
Contact
Connect with the program if you have questions about the Minister’s Awards of Excellence in Child Development:
Email: [email protected]