Awards
Once a year GCAEYC takes time to celebrate and recognize achievements by individuals in the early childhood field. Nominees are persons in the Gulf Coast area who have honorably enriched lives through their service to children and their families or to early childhood professionals. GCAEYC recognizes all nominees at the Gulf Coast Awards Ceremony and winners will automatically be nominated for the Texas AEYC Awards. The awards are given out in the following categories:
Classroom Teacher of the Year
Any person who has performed outstanding work in their role as child educator.
Administrator of the Year
Any person who has provided outstanding service in their current role as administrator of an early care/education program.
Teacher Educator of the Year
Any person who has performed outstanding work in their role of educating future early care/education professionals.
Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year
Any person that has demonstrated outstanding training for early care and education professionals.
Heart, Body, and Spirit Award
Local award only for an individual who has sacrificed their personal time, energy, and physical needs for children.
Advocate of the Year
Any person who has performed outstanding work for children, families, or the early childhood profession in terms of advocacy: writing on behalf of chidlren, telephoning or personally contacting persons in positions to improve the quality of life for young children, serving on committees or attending meetings where issues involving young children are discussed.
Elected Official of the Year
Any elected officials (council member, mayor, representative, etc.) who have developed or supported legislation that benefits young children, early childhood professionals, or familes.