Welcome to Illuminate,
AECPCN’s Early Childhood Conference! 

Welcome to our Illuminate Early Childhood conference, where fantabulous speakers await to ignite your passion for early childhood education! Our lineup is not just impressive but truly extraordinary, featuring a diverse array of voices, knowledge and experiences. These insightful leaders are excited to share their insights, engage with you, and learn from your perspectives. Prepare yourself for a journey of inspiration, connection, and emotion as we come together to Illuminate Early Childhood!

Illuminate Play Award

“In play a child always behaves beyond his average age, above his daily behavior. In play it is as though he were a head taller than himself.” ~ Lev Vygotsky

Welcome to our first annual Illuminate Play Award!

This award honors an extraordinary Early Childhood Professional in Alberta who exemplifies a deep commitment to the profession of Early Learning and Child Care. This individual not only demonstrates exceptional skill and passion in their daily work but also plays a pivotal role in advocating for the fundamental rights of children, particularly the right to Play. Their dedication is evident through their innovative approaches to fostering learning environments that prioritize Play-based learning, recognizing its critical importance in the holistic development of young children. They are a leader in promoting play as a fundamental aspect of learning, understanding that through Play, children develop essential cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. 

Recognizing that Play is not just a pastime but a vital component of a child’s development, they have tirelessly championed the right of every child to engage in meaningful, imaginative, and creative play. Their work goes beyond the classroom, influencing educational practices, and policies that prioritize the well-being and rights of children. By nurturing curiosity, creativity, and emotional well-being, they set a shining example of what it means to be an Early Childhood Educator who truly champions the needs and rights of children.

This award celebrates their innovative practices, dedication to professional growth, and their role as an advocate for children’s voices and needs. By recognizing this individual, we honor their profound impact on the lives of countless children, families, and the broader early childhood community in Alberta.

Nominations Open Soon!

Nomination Deadlines

OPENS: September 15, 2024

CLOSES: October 15, 2024

Who is eligible?

  • Early Childhood Educators who work and reside in Alberta. 
  • Nominees must provide hands-on, direct education and care to young children in an Albertan ECE setting at least 15 hours per week, must have worked as an early childhood educator for at least five years and must still be teaching at the time of nomination.

Who can nominate?

  • Peers or colleagues
  • Directors, supervisors, agency consultants, etc.
  • Parents of families of children
  • Community leaders
  • Self-nomination

Nominee Criteria

(Evidence of the following must be provided)

  • Years of experience in ELCC program in Alberta
  • Alberta ECE Level 1, 2 or 3
  • Educational Background in Early Learning and Child Care
  • Professional Learning Journey: Recognizing that learning never stops, nominees must engage in ongoing professional development over the last 5 years (includes workshops, conferences, webinars, books, podcasts, blogs, continuing education, etc.). This also includes their professional learning goals for the next 5 years!
  • Testimonies (2-3)
  • Professional Goals
  • Pedagogy
  • Beliefs and Values of Play
  • One-on-one interview with Illuminate Play Award board member

What does the award recipient receive?

  • Illuminate Play Award
  • Cash prize
  • Free ticket to the Illuminate Conference the following year
  • Recognition for their advocacy of Play and professional dedication as an Early Childhood Professional. 

Preparing a Nomination Package

Once you have decided to nominate an amazing Early Childhood Educator who is passionate about play and advocates for the child’s right to play, it’s time to put together their nomination package. Here is what you will need to submit your package:

  1. Nomination form (signed and dated by both the nominator and nominee)
  2. Description of how the nominee demonstrates the required criteria:
    • Pedagogy
    • Summary of professional learning journey
    • Beliefs and values of play
    • Description of how they advocate and demonstrate a passion for Play
    • Profession goals
  3. Letters of Support
    • 2-3 letters of support
    • signed and dated by the author
  4. Alberta ECE Certification
    • copy of ECE certification from Alberta government
    • OR  copy of certificate or diploma in ELCC
  5. Nominee Resume

All documents must be complete and received in full and on time in order for your nominee to be considered for this award. Once we receive nominations, our team will review each nomination and set up in-person interviews with selected nominees. Nominees must be available for in-person interviews to qualify for this award. 

Please email the nomination package to info@AECPCN.org by October 15, 2024. 

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Nominations Open Soon!