Published 01 May 2023
2023 Victorian Early Years Awards. Nominations now open!
Now in its 18th year, the Victorian Early Years Awards (VEYA) celebrate leadership, outstanding achievement, exceptional dedication and innovation in improving outcomes for children aged birth to eight years and their families.
This year, there are 2 new award categories. One recognises the importance of Aboriginal inclusion and perspectives in ensuring all services are accessible to Koorie children and families and commemorates the work and legacy of Aunty Rose Bamblett (dec) and the other recognises that educators make a vital contribution to early childhood services and children.
The 9 award categories focus on improving engagement in learning, supporting parents, building collaborative community partnerships, improving child health and wellbeing, exemplary practice in early childhood education, leadership and significant improvement on learning and teaching practices.
Winners are recognised as the best in Victoria for their category and go on to develop and share their inspiring work with their communities. Winners of each category will receive a grant of $15,000 for professional development or to support their nominated initiative. The finalists in each category are also eligible to win the prestigious Minister’s Award, selected by the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep.
With the roll out of three year old kindergarten, there's never been a better time to recognise and celebrate the great work happening every day in the early childhood sector.
Do you know an early childhood teacher who deserves to be recognised? Submit your nominations on the VEYA website by 5pm, Wednesday 14 June 2023.
For any enquiries, please contact VEYA and read the VEYA terms and conditions.
Categories
Improving Access and Participation in Early Learning
This award recognises one or more early childhood services and/or organisations that are taking action to promote access, ongoing participation and engagement in early learning, particularly for families experiencing vulnerability and/or disadvantage.
Supporting Parents to Build Their Capacity and Confidence
This award recognises one or more early childhood services and/or organisations that are taking action to support families, parents and carers to feel confident and capable in their parenting role and recognises their role as the first and most important teachers in supporting their child’s learning and development.
Creating Collaborative Community Partnerships
This award recognises a collaborative partnership between two or more early childhood services and/or organisations that are taking action to promote collaborative practice that supports and demonstrate positive outcomes for children and families.
Promoting Children’s Health and Wellbeing
This award recognises one or more early childhood services and/or organisations that are taking action to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for young children.
Continuity of Early Learning
This award recognises two or more early childhood services, schools and/or other organisations that support continuity of early learning through successful transitions.
Early Childhood Teacher of the Year
This award recognises an early childhood teacher who has demonstrated evidence-based innovation and exemplary practice in early childhood education and care.
Their nomination will demonstrate how they have made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of high-quality early childhood education programs and/or achieved significant improvements in children’s learning and development outcomes.
The Emeritus Professor Collette Tayler Excellence in Educational Leadership Award
This award recognises an educational leader, early childhood service, or an approved service provider that has led their educators and teachers to significantly improve the quality of their learning and teaching practices, with a focus on intentional teaching practices to achieve improved outcomes for Victorian children and their families.
The Minister’s Award
This is awarded by the Minister for Early Childhood from the pool of finalists for an application that demonstrates exemplary practice and exceptional achievement in improving outcomes for young children.
Finalists of each award category are automatically eligible for the Minister’s Award, which is selected by the Minister for Early Childhood. Applicants do not nominate for this category.
