Our child care programs, summer camp, and forest school are child-centered and inquiry based.
Over the years, Upper Canada Child Care (UCCC) has been privileged to employ many dedicated and inspiring educators, some of whom moved into management and leadership positions and others who have dedicated their careers to being in the classroom.
UCCC invests in the professional development and growth of its employees, believing in the importance of performance and service recognition. One of the ways we do this is through the Founders Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education. This award also commemorates Josie and John Harlow, whose vision launched our organization in 1983.
This is the sixth year of the award, and we are once again inviting colleagues, clients, and community partners to nominate current UCCC educators whose position involves working at least part of their daily shift in the classroom, providing direct care, support, and education to children of any age, and who show:
- ongoing commitment to professionalism and leadership;
- development of caring and responsive relationships;
- innovation in curriculum and pedagogy; and
- promotion of well-being in the learning environment.
An educator cannot be self-nominated, nor nominated by a family member, the centre supervisor, or the assistant supervisor. Supervisors, assistant supervisors, and previous winners may not be nominated.
What do I have to do to nominate someone?
Submit to hr@ucccc.ca a letter which:
- states the nominee’s full name, position, current centre(s), and classroom(s);
- provides concrete examples of the nominee’s centre contributions that reflect the above criteria; and
- is signed and dated by the author(s) and includes their contact information (phone number/email).
Nomination process opens: Friday, January 19, 2024.
Nomination submission deadline: Friday, February 16, 2024.
Once their eligibility is confirmed and nominees accept their nomination, each will be screened and judged by a committee. The award recipient will be selected based on their demonstration of excellence and overall commitment to the development of children and the early childhood education profession. All finalists will be highlighted, and the award will be presented on Monday, April 1, 2024 as part our Professional Development Conference.
Thank you for your support and efforts to celebrate excellence at Upper Canada Child Care!