Victorians are encouraged to recognise the outstanding work of early years professionals in improving the lives of young children by nominating an individual or organisation for a Victorian Early Years Award.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced nominations for this year’s awards are open, and called on families, early childhood professionals and early years organisations to nominate themselves or others.

Now in their 15th year, the Victorian Early Years Awards recognise, reward and celebrate individuals and organisations, and highlight those taking action to improve outcomes within the early years sector.

In 2020, the awards celebrate the achievements and commitment of early childhood professionals across seven award categories, including improving access and participation, supporting parents and promoting children’s health and wellbeing, as well as the prestigious Early Childhood Teacher of the Year.

Award winners receive up to $15,000 to further develop and share the lessons of their exceptional work in kindergartens, schools, local councils, maternal child and health services and other early years organisations across the state.

Early childhood education and care has never been more important than it is now, during the coronavirus pandemic. Services are continuing to operate to support Victorian children and families during this challenging time.

In an Australian first, the Victorian Government is investing almost $5 billion over this decade to deliver universally funded Three-Year-Old-Kindergarten.

Nominations for the awards close on Monday 6 July, with finalists announced in September ahead of the awards ceremony expected to be held in November.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/veya