Victorian Early Years Awards nominations open to celebrate excellence across the early years sector

Nominations for the 2026 Victorian Early Years Awards (VEYA) open Monday 4 May, recognising the professionals, programs and organisations making a meaningful difference for children and families across Victoria.

The annual awards celebrate excellence across the full breadth of the early years sector, from Maternal and Child Health services, allied health and supported playgroups through to kindergarten programs, early childhood initiatives, educators, teachers and community-led services. They honour leadership, outstanding achievement, professionalism and innovation that strengthens children’s health, learning, development and wellbeing outcomes  from birth to eight years.

Recognising the people shaping children’s futures

VEYA provides an opportunity to celebrate the individuals and initiatives driving positive outcomes for children and families. 

From programs that build parent confidence and family engagement to those improving inclusion, access and participation, the awards highlight the many ways the early years sector is helping children thrive.

Why early learning matters

Research shows that children who attend high-quality kindergarten programs for two years before school are better placed to succeed in their learning journey.

Intentional play-based learning is the most effective way to support children’s cognitive, social, emotional and language development, helping build strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Early years professionals at the heart of Victoria’s education system

Early years professionals remain central to the strength of Victoria’s education system.

Educators, teachers, allied health teams, maternal and child health nurses, service leaders and community practitioners all play an important role in supporting children during their earliest and most formative years.

The VEYA recognises this contribution and celebrates excellence across the profession.

Highlighting innovation through Best Start, Best Life reforms

The awards also shine a light on the current work and recent government investment linked to Victoria’s Victoria’s Best Start, Best Life reforms.

These reforms continue to expand access to early learning, strengthen quality and grow the early childhood workforce to better meet the needs of children and families.

VEYA celebrates not only nominees, finalists and winners, but also the strength of a sector continuing to evolve and grow.

Award categories and grants

There are 9 awards that recognise excellence across a broad range of areas, including:

• supporting children to participate and engage in learning
• supporting parents and carers to be confident and capable in their parenting role
• improving children’s health and wellbeing outcomes
• collaborative community partnerships
• supporting Koorie children through partnerships that support self-determination
• exemplary early childhood practice of educators and teachers
• improvement in quality of learning and teaching practices

Winners receive a $15,000 grant to support professional development or their nominated initiative. Finalists are also eligible for the Minister’s Award.

Key dates

• Nominations open: Monday 4 May
• Nominations close: Friday 29 May
• Victorian Early Years Awards: Thursday 5 November

Submit a nomination

Individuals, organisations and initiatives across the early years sector are encouraged to nominate outstanding colleagues, teams or programs making a lasting impact for Victorian children and families.

More information and nominations visit the Victorian Early Years Award website.