The Honor an Early Childhood Educator recognition program was created in 2014 with two primary goals – to recognize early childhood educators who have made a difference in the lives of young children and families, and to provide NAEYC/CAAEYC membership scholarships for current undergraduate or graduate students majoring in early childhood education/development.
Is there an educator you wish to honor who has made a difference in your life or the lives of others (teacher, caregiver, parent)? Honoring an educator is a genuine and caring way to create a legacy of recognition for Early Childhood Educators who transform lives every day.
We have reimagined the recognition program this year – see the details below.
Welcome to the Honor An Educator Center for 2026!
We are pleased to say that we exceeded our 100 mark! The form is now closed. Applicants who meet the criteria will be notified by March 20, 2026. Thank you for your interest!
There are two elements to the Honor An Education recognition program this year: decorating postcards to mail or hand deliver and awarding membership scholarships.
During our conference in Pasadena – April 24-26 – we have designated a creative space in the Expo Hall that invites participants to decorate a postcard – with drawings, notes – to recognize an early childhood educator who has made a positive impact on your life, your family or young children.
We are providing the postcards and ask for a nominal donation of $5 to cover the cost of the postcard and mailing to your honoree. In addition, the donations help support membership scholarships. The decorated postcards will be on display in the Honor An Educator Center in the Expo Hall. At the end of conference, we will gather the postcards and mail them to your honoree – or you can take your postcard and hand deliver or mail it yourself. If we mail your postcard, be sure to include your honoree’s mailing address on the postcard. We will collect the $5 contribution in person in the Honor An Educator center.
Since 2014, we have received contributions to support membership scholarships. Therefore, we are providing 100 student membership scholarships to NAEYC/CAAEYC. Why 100? Because NAEYC is celebrating its 100th anniversary! Help us celebrate the NAEYC Centennial and spread the word about student membership scholarships!
To qualify, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student studying early childhood education or a very closely aligned subject matter. If you are a current member or have been a member within the last two years, you are not eligible. When completing the form, you will need to provide proof of enrollment and provide a short statement about how the membership will benefit you. Individuals will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
The application process is now closed.
Should you have questions, please contact us at info@caeyc.org.