Published 05 May 2026
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Victorian Early Years Awards
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Every day, early years professionals make a real difference to children and families across Victoria.
The 2026 Victorian Early Years Awards are your chance to celebrate that work and share what’s possible. The awards recognise the dedication, innovation and impact of the entire early years sector, shining a light on the people and teams improving outcomes for Victorian children through care, learning and community support.
From allied health and Maternal and Child Health services to community playgroups and early childhood education and care professionals, the awards celebrate the many ways early years professionals support children to thrive.
Nominating recognises the impact of early years work, celebrates ideas that are making a difference, and helps share inspiring practice across Victoria.
Winners are recognised as the best in Victoria, receive a $15,000 grant for professional development or to support their initiative, and are supported to share their work with communities. Finalists are also eligible for the Minister’s Award, selected by the Minister for Children, recognising outstanding contribution across the early years sector.
Nominations close at 5 pm on Friday 29 May 2026.
Categories
Improving Access and Participation in Early Learning
This award recognises early childhood services or organisations helping children to take part in early learning. They support children to attend and stay engaged, especially for vulnerable families.
Supporting Parents to Build Their Capacity and Confidence
This award recognises early childhood services or organisations supporting families, parents and carers. They help them feel confident and capable in their parenting role. They recognise parents and carers as their child’s first and most important teachers.
Creating Collaborative Community Partnerships
This award recognises partnerships between early childhood services or organisations working together to improve outcomes for children and families through collaborative practice.
Promoting Children’s Health and Wellbeing
This award recognises early childhood services or organisations that are improving the health and wellbeing outcomes for young children.
Continuity of Early Learning
This award recognises early childhood services, primary schools or organisations working together. Their partnership supports children to successfully move between early learning settings and school.
Early Childhood Teacher of the Year
This award recognises an early childhood teacher who uses evidence to improve their practice and try new approaches. They lead and deliver high-quality, learning programs that support improved learning and development outcomes for children.
The Emeritus Professor Collette Tayler Excellence in Educational Leadership Award
This award recognises an educational leader, early childhood service, or an approved provider. They have led their educators and teachers to significantly improve the quality of their learning and teaching practices. They focus on intentional teaching practices to improve outcomes for Victorian children and their families.
Aunty Rose Bamblett Koorie Early Years Legacy Award
This award recognises an early childhood service that provides holistic support that engages Aboriginal children and families. They embed Aboriginal perspectives and strengthen the voices of Koorie families and local community members through partnerships that support self-determination.
Educator of the Year Award
This award recognises an educator who uses evidence to improve their practice and try new approaches. They lead and deliver high-quality, learning programs that support improved learning and development outcomes for children.
The Minister’s Award
This award is chosen by the Minister for Children. It is selected from the pool of finalists. It recognises a finalist that show strong practice and excellent achievement in improving outcomes for young children. Applicants cannot apply for this award.
