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:
| 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 |