Gazette staff
OTTAWA – Janice Prowse of Coal Harbour, an early childhood educator at Port Hardy’s Stepping Stones Childcare Centre, was among the recipients last week as Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the recipients of the 2012 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and Excellence in Early Childhood Education.
The Awards were presented at a ceremony in Ottawa Oct. 3, ahead of World Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5.
“Good teachers help lay the foundation with which we interpret and navigate the world. They make a valuable contribution to Canadians being among the brightest and most innovative citizens in the world,” said the Prime Minister. “It is a real privilege today to honour educators who have imparted their knowledge and inspiration to us and our children, helping all of us become the best we can be.”
The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education honour exceptional early-childhood educators who help build the foundation that young children need to make the best start in life.
This year, awards were given to 94 teachers/educators from across Canada, 27 of which travelled to Ottawa to receive their Certificates of Excellence (national-level) from the Prime Minister and attend three days of celebratory and professional development activities. In addition to those Certificates of Excellence, 67 Certificates of Achievement will be awarded at a regional level.
Five special awards honouring Aboriginal educators were also presented, as well as eight special awards for space science educators.
The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education honour outstanding and innovative early childhood educators. Awards are selected by an external selection committee comprised of early childhood education experts from across Canada. These experts select recipients based on their innovative approaches and outstanding ability to foster and support the early development and socialization of children in their care, and on their overall commitment to the development of children and the early childhood education and care profession.
Nominees are recognized for their excellence in the following areas:
• support of child development;
• innovation;
• involvement with parents, families and the community; and
• commitment and leadership in the field.
Early childhood educators and teams of early childhood educators are eligible for two awards: the Certificate of Excellence (a national award) and the Certificate of Achievement (a regional award). All recipients receive a certificate and pin, along with a letter from the Prime Minister. Certificate of Excellence cash awards are worth $5,000 and are shared equally between the winning educators and their childcare settings. Certificate of Achievement awards are worth $1,000 and are given directly to recipients.