This award recognises one or more early childhood service and/or organisation that is taking action to promote access, ongoing participation and engagement in early learning, particularly for families experiencing vulnerability and/or disadvantage.

This award recognises one or more early childhood service and/or organisation that is 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.

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 demonstrates positive outcomes for children and families.

This award recognises one or more early childhood service and/or organisation that is taking action to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for young children.

This award recognises two or more early childhood services, primary schools and/or other organisations that support continuity of early learning through successful transitions.

This award recognises one or more early childhood service/s that are demonstrating holistic service provision that engages Aboriginal children and families. The service builds Aboriginal perspectives and amplifies the voices and experiences of Koorie families and local community members through partnerships that enable self-determination.

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.

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.

This award recognises an early childhood educator who has demonstrated innovative and exemplary practice in early childhood education and care. Their nomination will demonstrate how they have made a significant contribution to the delivery of high-quality early childhood education programs and/or achieved significant improvements in children’s learning and development outcomes.

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.