Apply | Early Childhood Excellence Awards

School Information

Tell us about your program. All fields marked * are required.

School Name *

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School Website

Director / Lead Contact Name *

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Title / Role

Email Address *

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Phone Number

City *

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State *

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Year Founded

Approximate Enrollment

Ages Served

Select Award Categories

Choose the categories you're applying for. Each category is $25. You may apply for multiple.

🏅 Leadership & Staff

Director of the YearOutstanding program leadership

Teacher of the YearExceptional classroom educator

Best Staff DevelopmentInvesting in educator growth

Best New TeacherOutstanding educator in first 2 years

📚 Curriculum & Learning

Best STEM/STEAM ProgramScience, technology, engineering, arts, math

Best Literacy ProgramEarly reading and language development

Best Arts ProgramCreative and performing arts focus

Best Outdoor/Nature ProgramNature-based or outdoor learning

Best Multilingual ProgramDual-language or immersion learning

Best Play-Based LearningChild-led exploratory learning

🌟 School Culture & Community

Best School CultureInclusive, nurturing environment

Best Family EngagementInvolving families in learning

Best Community PartnershipLocal partnerships and impact

Best Diversity & InclusionCelebrating all backgrounds

💙 Specialized Support

Best Special Needs SupportInclusive services and IEP support

Best Social-Emotional LearningSEL curriculum and wellbeing

Best Health & WellnessNutrition, movement, mental wellness

Best Infant/Toddler ProgramCare for children under 2

🏆 Overall Excellence

Best Overall PreschoolTop program across all dimensions

Most Innovative ProgramPioneering new approaches

Best Facility DesignEnvironment built for young learners

Best Rural ProgramExcellence in underserved communities

Categories selected: 0

$25 per category

Total Fee

$0

Please select at least one category.

Application Questions

These responses help our judges understand what makes your program exceptional. Be specific and genuine.

1. Describe your program in 2–3 sentences. *

0 / 500

Please answer this question.

2. What makes your school exceptional in your selected category/categories? * (250 words max)

0 / 1500

Please answer this question.

3. Describe one specific program, initiative, or practice that sets you apart. *

0 / 1000

Please answer this question.

4. What outcome or result are you most proud of in the last 12 months?

0 / 800

5. Anything else you'd like the judges to know?

0 / 600

Review & Submit

Review your selections, then click the button to pay and submit your application.

Application Summary

School:—

Contact:—

Location:—

Categories:—

Total Due:$0

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School Information

Select Award Categories

Application Questions

Review & Submit

Application Summary