Nominations open November 11 – December 11

The Inaugural ECI Awards 2026

The Inaugural ECI Awards 2026

In recognition of the extraordinary educators and leaders shaping children’s earliest years, we’re celebrating those who make a difference every day. From creating safe, nurturing environments to inspiring a lifelong love of learning, these individuals leave a lasting impact on the children and families they serve.

In recognition of the extraordinary educators and leaders shaping children’s earliest years, we’re celebrating those who make a difference every day. From creating safe, nurturing environments to inspiring a lifelong love of learning, these individuals leave a lasting impact on the children and families they serve.

Help us honor their dedication and contributions by nominating an outstanding educator or leader for the inaugural ECI Awards.

Illustration of five smiling early childhood educators holding gold star trophies, with confetti, fireworks and laurels on a navy background

Nov 11

Nov 11

Nominations open

Dec 11

Dec 11

Nominations close

Dec 24

Dec 24

Winners announced

Recognition

Recognition

Celebrating Our ECI Award Winners

Celebrating Our ECI Award Winners

Each ECI Award recipient will receive an official award certificate and an exclusive swag bag in recognition of their outstanding contributions to early childhood education.

Each ECI Award recipient will receive an official award certificate and an exclusive swag bag in recognition of their outstanding contributions to early childhood education.

Winners will also be celebrated across the ECI community through a featured blog interview, social media spotlight, and dedicated email announcement, giving their achievements the recognition they deserve.

Winners will also be celebrated across the ECI community through a featured blog interview, social media spotlight, and dedicated email announcement, giving their achievements the recognition they deserve.

Official award certificate

A personalized certificate honoring their contribution to early childhood education.

Exclusive swag bag

A thank-you gift for the difference they make every day.

Community spotlight

A featured blog interview, social media spotlight, and dedicated email announcement.

Five Awards. Five Ways to Make a Difference.

Five Awards. Five Ways to Make a Difference.

From emerging educators to lifelong leaders, the ECI Awards celebrate the individuals whose dedication, innovation, and passion are shaping the future of early childhood education.

From emerging educators to lifelong leaders, the ECI Awards celebrate the individuals whose dedication, innovation, and passion are shaping the future of early childhood education.

From emerging educators to lifelong leaders, the ECI Awards celebrate the individuals whose dedication, innovation, and passion are shaping the future of early childhood education.

Explore the five award categories below and nominate someone whose contributions deserve to be recognized.

Explore the five award categories below and nominate someone whose contributions deserve to be recognized.

Explore the five award categories below and nominate someone whose contributions deserve to be recognized.

Open book with a seedling growing from it

First 5 years in the field

Emerging Educator of the Year

Recognizing early childhood educators in their first five years in the field who demonstrate exceptional promise, dedication, and a passion for helping young children thrive.

Gold trophy with a star and laurels

Any career stage

The Gold Standard Award: Excellence in Teaching & Learning

Recognizing early childhood educators at any career stage who demonstrate excellence in teaching through intentional, inclusive practices that support every child’s learning, development, and well-being.

Compass above a team of three people

Directors & program leaders · 2+ years in role

The Compass Award: Early Childhood Leadership

Recognizing early childhood leaders who cultivate supportive, thriving teams, inspire professional growth, and foster a shared commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

Glowing lightbulb

Idea already in use

The Trailblazer Award: Innovation in Early Childhood

Recognizing individuals who bring innovative ideas to life, creating meaningful, measurable improvements for children, families, or early childhood professionals.

Tree with deep roots

15+ years of service

The Deep Roots Award: Lifetime Dedication to Early Childhood

Honoring early childhood professionals with 15 or more years of dedicated service whose lasting contributions have shaped the lives of children, families, and colleagues while strengthening the profession for future generations.

Privacy and Nomination Guidelines

Privacy and Nomination Guidelines

Privacy note for all categories:  Please remove all personally identifiable information about children and families before submitting your nomination, including full names, dates of birth, addresses, and contact information. Use initials or general descriptions, such as “Child A” or “a parent of a preschooler,” instead. Any photographs showing children’s faces must have explicit permission from the parents to use.

Privacy note for all categories:  Please remove all personally identifiable information about children and families before submitting your nomination, including full names, dates of birth, addresses, and contact information. Use initials or general descriptions, such as “Child A” or “a parent of a preschooler,” instead. Any photographs showing children’s faces must have explicit permission from the parents to use.

Only include quotes, testimonials, or letters from families and colleagues who have given their consent to share them.

Key dates

Key dates

One Month to Nominate. One Day to Celebrate.

One Month to Nominate. One Day to Celebrate.

Help us recognize the extraordinary educators and leaders making a difference in early childhood education. Submit your nomination by December 11, and join us as we celebrate the inaugural ECI Award recipients on December 24.

Help us recognize the extraordinary educators and leaders making a difference in early childhood education. Submit your nomination by December 11, and join us as we celebrate the inaugural ECI Award recipients on December 24.

Help us recognize the extraordinary educators and leaders making a difference in early childhood education. Submit your nomination by December 11, and join us as we celebrate the inaugural ECI Award recipients on December 24.

NOV

NOV

11

11

Nominations open

Submit nominations across any of the five award categories.

DEC

DEC

11

11

Nominations close

Last day to submit nominations for consideration.

DEC

DEC

24

24

Winners announced

Join us in celebrating the 2026 ECI Award recipients and their outstanding contributions to early childhood education.

Thank You for Helping Us Honor the Educators and Leaders Who Shape Children’s Earliest Years.

Thank You for Helping Us Honor the Educators and Leaders Who Shape Children’s Earliest Years.

Thank You for Helping Us Honor the Educators and Leaders Who Shape Children’s Earliest Years.

Every nomination is an opportunity to recognize someone whose dedication makes a lasting difference. Thank you for helping us celebrate the remarkable individuals who strengthen our early childhood community.

Every nomination is an opportunity to recognize someone whose dedication makes a lasting difference. Thank you for helping us celebrate the remarkable individuals who strengthen our early childhood community.

We look forward to reading your nominations!

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