2026 Excellence Awards
To honor and recognize the work of dedicated early childhood professionals, the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference is proud host the 5th annual RMECC Excellence Awards! The Excellence Awards are an opportunity for all conference participants to nominate the candidates YOU think best demonstrate the accomplishments, innovation, and resolve of outstanding early childhood professionals.
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One winner in each category will receive a $500 cash prize! Nominations will be open until February 27.
Who Can Be Nominated:
All nominees must be a director, administrator, or teacher at a child care center or preschool; a family child care home provider; or a family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care provider.
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Many early childhood professionals who work in funding, systems building, or other support areas of the industry have various awards they're eligible for throughout their careers. There are not as many awards for the professionals who work in the spaces where care happens each day, which is why RMECC focuses on these ECE professionals for the awards.
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Process, Timing and Logistics:
Nominations will be open until February 27. After nominations close, the RMECC Program Committee will review all nominations and select the winners. RMECC will reach out to the winners by March 13th. Winners will be announced to the public and recognized at the award ceremonies on Thursday, April 16 (Excellence in Workplace Wellness and Community Leader) and Friday, April 17 (Champion of Inclusive Practices and Lifetime Achievement) before the morning keynote.
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Award winners will get one free full event (2 day) attendance pass to the conference and a guest pass to the award ceremony and keynote where they will be honored, as well as $500 that will be sent to them after the event.
Award Categories
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Excellence in Workplace Wellness: Recognizes individuals or organizations that prioritize their staff's health and wellness by providing a positive and supportive work environment that encourages work-life balance and offers personal wellness and strong professional development opportunities.
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Community Leader: Recognizes an outstanding leader whose advocacy and service go beyond the doors of the child care environment where they work. A person who does extraordinary work to elevate the child care field, assist others with opening new programs, promote quality, advance systems, and provide support to new providers and teachers.
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Champion of Inclusive Practices: Honors individuals or organizations committed to creating inclusive environments that address diversity and equity, ensuring all children and families feel valued and supported.
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Lifetime Achievement: Honors an individual's long-standing commitment to the field over the course or their career, and their significant contributions to the industry through one or more of the following: teaching practices, leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration that will leave a lasting legacy.