Awards

Early Childhood Australia’s prestigious awards are highly recognised within the early childhood education and care sector, acknowledging the valuable role that professional educators play in promoting and enhancing the delivery of early years learning. The award recipients are announced during the Early Childhood Australia National Conference, which attracts over 2,000 educators and academics from the sector.

The following awards are now open:

Barbara Creaser Awards

  • Barbara Creaser Memorial Lecture Award
  • Barbara Creaser Champion Award
  • Barbara Creaser Young Advocates Award

Doctoral Thesis Award

  • ECA Doctoral Thesis Award
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Barbara Creaser Awards and ECA Doctoral Thesis Awards timeline

2026 SELECTION PROCESS TIMELINE
Applications open 4 February 2026

ECA Doctoral Thesis applications close

Barbara Creaser Awards nominations close

30 April 2026

30 April 2026

Applicants are advised of the outcome July 2026
Arrangements for conference registration and presentations are confirmed July 2026
Award recipients are announced at the Early Childhood Australia Conference 30 September—3 October 2026