Deadline: 29-May-2026
The Victorian Early Years Awards 2026 recognise outstanding individuals, services, and organisations improving early childhood outcomes across Victoria, Australia. The awards highlight excellence in early learning, child wellbeing, family support, and culturally responsive practice, with each category winner receiving AUD 15,000 for professional development or project support.
Overview of the Awards
The Victorian Early Years Awards are an annual recognition programme delivered by the Victorian Government to celebrate excellence in the early childhood and early learning sector.
They highlight individuals and organisations that deliver high-quality, innovative, and inclusive services that improve outcomes for young children.
Key Objectives
The awards aim to:
- Improve access and participation in early learning services
- Strengthen parental confidence and engagement
- Promote child health, safety, and wellbeing
- Support collaboration across early years services
- Ensure continuity between early learning and primary school
- Recognise excellence in teaching, leadership, and service delivery
- Embed Aboriginal perspectives and strengthen Koorie family voices
- Encourage evidence-based innovation in early childhood education
Who is Eligible?
The awards are open to a wide range of early years stakeholders in Victoria, including:
- Early childhood education and care services
- Schools and early learning centres
- Early childhood educators and teachers
- Allied health professionals working with children
- Maternal and Child Health services
- Community playgroups and support organisations
- Early years leadership teams and coordinators
Award Categories and Areas of Recognition
Each category highlights excellence in a specific area of early childhood development:
- Inclusive early learning participation
- Parental support and empowerment
- Cross-sector collaboration and partnerships
- Child health and wellbeing initiatives
- Transition support between early learning and school
- Excellence in early childhood teaching practice
- Leadership in quality improvement
- Culturally responsive practice supporting Aboriginal children and families
Purpose and Impact of the Awards
The programme aims to:
- Recognise sector leaders in early childhood development
- Share best practices across Victoria
- Strengthen community-based early learning systems
- Improve long-term educational and developmental outcomes for children
- Encourage innovation in early childhood education and care
- Support culturally safe and inclusive early learning environments
Funding and Awards
Each category winner receives:
- AUD 15,000 grant
Use of Funds
The award funding may be used for:
- Professional development activities
- Enhancing early childhood programmes
- Supporting nominated improvement initiatives
- Capacity building and training
Additional Recognition
- Finalists may be considered for the Minister’s Award for Children
- This award recognises exceptional achievement in improving outcomes for young children
Why the Awards Matter
The Victorian Early Years Awards play a key role in:
- Strengthening the quality of early childhood education
- Supporting equitable access to early learning opportunities
- Promoting innovation in teaching and care practices
- Elevating Aboriginal voices in early education systems
- Encouraging collaboration across health, education, and community sectors
- Improving lifelong outcomes through early intervention and support
Common Areas of Excellence Recognised
Award-winning initiatives often demonstrate:
- Strong community engagement
- Evidence-based early learning practices
- Inclusive and culturally responsive approaches
- Innovative teaching and learning strategies
- Effective partnerships between services
- Measurable improvements in child development outcomes
Tips for Strong Recognition Applications
- Clearly demonstrate impact on child development outcomes
- Highlight collaboration across sectors or organisations
- Include evidence of innovation or best practice
- Show alignment with inclusion and equity goals
- Emphasise Aboriginal engagement and cultural responsiveness
- Provide measurable results or documented improvements
FAQ
1. What are the Victorian Early Years Awards?
They are government awards recognising excellence in early childhood education and care in Victoria.
2. Who can apply or be nominated?
Early childhood services, educators, allied health professionals, schools, and community organisations.
3. What is the prize for winners?
Each category winner receives AUD 15,000.
4. What can the funding be used for?
Professional development or supporting early childhood improvement initiatives.
5. Is there a top award?
Yes, finalists may be considered for the Minister’s Award for Children.
6. What areas are recognised?
Early learning access, child wellbeing, teaching excellence, leadership, and cultural inclusion.
7. Why are these awards important?
They promote high-quality, inclusive early childhood practices across Victoria.
Conclusion
The Victorian Early Years Awards 2026 celebrate leadership, innovation, and excellence in early childhood services across Victoria. By recognising outstanding contributions, the programme strengthens early learning systems and improves long-term outcomes for children and families.
For more information, visit Government of Victoria.