Victorians can nominate an individual, early childhood service or organisation for a Victorian Early Years Award to recognise the outstanding work of early years professionals to improve the lives of children and their families.

Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt announced nominations are open for this year’s awards, and called on families, early childhood professionals and early years organisations to nominate themselves or others.

In its 16^th year, the Victorian Early Years Awards celebrate the commitment, resilience and flexibility demonstrated by the entire sector.

In 2021, the awards will 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 in each category will 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.

Nominations for the awards close on Monday, 14 June. Finalists will be announced in August ahead of the awards ceremony in November.

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

Making Victoria the Education State starts with the early years. That’s why, in an Australian-first, the Andrews Labor Government is also investing almost $5 billion this decade to provide three-year-old children with access to 15 hours of a funded kindergarten program.