Starting Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, British Columbians can nominate early care and learning (ECL) professionals who have gone above and beyond to keep kids safe and learning despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Child Care Awards of Excellence recognize the outstanding achievements of people, organizations and local governments who help families and communities thrive by providing or supporting the delivery of quality child care in B.C. 

“The last year has been especially challenging for families with young children, and child care providers have gone above and beyond to support them,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “ECL professionals have made an incredible difference in the lives of so many this year, and these awards will help us celebrate the child care heroes in our communities.”

Nominations for the 2021 Child Care Awards of Excellence are being accepted in 16 categories, two of which are new this year:

Perseverance Award (new): In light of the pandemic, this award honours a child care facility, team or organization that has persevered in overcoming barriers, obstacles and challenges to demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality ECL services.

Reconciliation Award (new): This award recognizes an ECL professional, community member or organization working towards reconciliation, in partnership with Indigenous peoples, and making positive contributions in the spirit of truth and reconciliation in early care and learning settings.

Regional Award of Excellence (five regional awards): These awards recognize ECL professionals who work in child care and demonstrate excellence in at least one of the following areas:

• working collaboratively with others;
• ensuring inclusion/encouraging diversity;
• supporting community efforts; and/or
• providing continuous improvement/excellence in early learning.

Lenora Pritchard Award of Excellence: This award recognizes an Indigenous ECL professional who is an excellent role model and mentor, or who works to promote leadership in an ECL setting.

Innovation: This award recognizes an ECL professional, team or organization that puts unique and creative ideas into action.

Partnerships (three awards): These awards recognize partnerships between the ECL sector and a local government, business or community organization that demonstrates excellence in the support and/or delivery of child care services. These partnerships ensure inclusion and encourage diversity, while supporting community efforts and continuous improvement in the ECL field.

ECL Leadership: This award honours an ECL professional or team that has shown exceptional leadership in their community, with families or through their work with underserved or vulnerable communities by encouraging and guiding others, displaying exceptional dedication, collaboration, creativity and vision.

Inclusive Practices: This award recognizes an ECL professional or team that has shown excellence and leadership in providing inclusive practices for children with extra support needs.

Emerging Leader: This award honours an ECL professional with up to three years of experience in the field.

Lifetime Achievement: This award honours an ECL professional who has been a leader in the field for over 20 years.

“The pandemic has highlighted that access to affordable, quality child care is a vital part of B.C.’s recovery for families, communities and the economy,” said Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development. “With brighter days on the horizon, now is the time to recognize the ECL professionals who continue to care for and support our youngest learners during these challenging times.”

People are asked to submit their nomination package by Feb. 5, 2021. Completed nomination packages can be emailed to: ChildcareBC.Engagement@gov.bc.ca

Or mailed to:
Child Care Awards of Excellence
Ministry of Children and Family Development
Child Care Policy
PO Box 9778 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9S5

Learn More:

For more information on the Child Care Awards of Excellence, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=FB36F11E5A8B4AB8B6A8070910B9CBDB

Child Care Awards of Excellence nomination guidelines: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=C35ED79D71B647E8AC4AFBB9827B99C0

Child care in B.C.: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare