GEORGIA’S EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR PROGRAM

Celebrating outstanding teachers in the field of early childhood education.

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The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is seeking applications for the annual Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year program in the following categories:

  • Infant Teacher of the Year (0-15 months)
  • Toddler Teacher of the Year (15-36 months)
  • Preschool Teacher of the Year (36-48 months)

The top six finalists (two from each category) will each receive $500 for their personal use, and the top three winners (one from each category) will receive an additional:

  • $3,000 for their personal use,
  • $2,000 for a classroom makeover, and
  • Up to $2,500 for their school to cover travel expenses and stipends for substitute teachers as the teacher fulfills their duties of a Georgia’s Early Childhood Educator of the Year around the state.

If you are a program director and work with an outstanding early childhood teacher, consider nominating them for Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year program. If you are a Family Child Care Provider dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young children, consider nominating yourself for the Early Childhood Educators of the Year program.     

To be considered for this honor, Family Child Care Providers and Child Care Learning Center teachers must meet the following criteria:  

  • Currently be employed as a lead teacher in the age group for which they are being nominated at a licensed 2- or 3-star Quality Rated childcare provider that is in good standing with all programs administered by DECAL
  • Family Child Care Provider enrollment must reflect at least 50 percent of the selected category
  • Have a minimum of three years of experience as a lead teacher
  • Plan to continue as a lead teacher in the 2024-2025 school year
  • Hold an approved credential in the field of early childhood education or a related field (CDA, TCC, TCD, AA, BS, or Ed.)
  • Be willing to participate in an interview and a classroom evaluation (if selected as a finalist)
  • Be willing to serve as an ambassador for Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year program, including public speaking engagements and activities related to modeling effective classroom practices (if selected as a winner)
  • Be able and willing to travel as needed, including some overnight stays (travel expenses will be reimbursed) (if selected as a winner)

Application Requirements and Information

Applications for Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year program must be typed and completed in their entirety. Handwritten applications will not be considered, reviewed, or scored. Application scores will not be released to any applicants or the public.

Application Submission

Please complete the application using the SurveyMonkey Apply link above. All applications must be submitted on or before Friday, September 13, 2024. Applications that are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

For questions about Educator of the Year applications, contact Practice and Support Services at PSSinfo@decal.ga.gov.