Illuminate Play Award

Igniting Change Through Play: Illuminate Play Award

This isn’t just an award – it’s a celebration of the passionate individuals who are lighting the way for play in early childhood education. Join us as we honor those who are making a lasting impact, advocating for the right to play, and transforming the learning experiences of young children. Let the celebration of creativity, dedication, and play begin!

This award honours an extraordinary Play Advocate who exemplifies a deep commitment to the profession of Play advocacy in Early Learning Environments. This individual not only demonstrates exceptional skill and passion for Play advocacy in their daily work but also plays a pivotal role in advocating for the fundamental rights of children, particularly the UNCRC Article 31, Right to Play. Their dedication is evident through their innovative approaches to fostering learning environments that prioritize Play-based learning, recognizing its critical importance in the holistic development of young children. They are a leader in promoting play as a fundamental aspect of learning, understanding that through Play, children develop essential cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. 

Recognizing that Play is not just a pastime but a vital component of a child’s development, they have tirelessly championed the right of every child to engage in meaningful, imaginative, and creative play. Their work goes beyond the classroom, influencing educational practices, and policies that prioritize the well-being and rights of children. By nurturing curiosity, creativity, and emotional well-being, they set a shining example of what it means to be an Early Childhood Educator who truly champions the needs and rights of children.

This award celebrates their innovative practices, dedication to professional growth, and their role as an advocate for children’s voices and right to play. By recognizing this individual, we honor their profound impact on the lives of countless children, families, and the broader Play community in Alberta.

Nomination Deadlines

Opens: September 1, 2026

Closes: November 1, 2026

Who Can Nominate?

  • Peers or colleagues
  • Directors, supervisors, agency consultants, etc.
  • Parents of families of children
  • Community leaders
  • Self-nomination

Who is Eligible?

  • Early Childhood Educators, ECE Teachers, Leaders, Play Advocates
  • Nominees must provide hands-on, direct education and care to young children in an Albertan ECE setting at least 15 hours per week, must have worked as an early childhood educator for at least five years and must still be teaching at the time of nomination.

Nominee Criteria

(Evidence of the following must be provided)

  • Years of experience in ELCC program in Alberta
  • Alberta ECE Level 1, 2 or 3 OR Alberta Teaching credentials
  • Educational Background in Early Learning and Child Care, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Studies
  • Professional Learning Journey: Recognizing that learning never stops, nominees must engage in ongoing professional development over the last 5 years (includes workshops, conferences, webinars, books, podcasts, blogs, continuing education, etc.). This also includes their professional learning goals for the next 5 years!
  • Testimonies (2-3)
  • Professional Goals
  • Pedagogy
  • Beliefs and Values of Play

What does the award recipient receive?

  • Illuminate Play Award
  • Cash prize
  • Free ticket to the Illuminate Play Conference 2026 (registration required)
  • Recognition for their advocacy of Play and professional dedication as an Early Childhood Professional. 

Preparing a Nomination Package

Here is what you will need to submit your package:
1. Nomination form (signed and dated by both the nominator and nominee)
2. Description of how the nominee demonstrates the required criteria:

  • Pedagogy
  • Summary of professional learning journey
  • Beliefs and values of play
  • Description of how they advocate and demonstrate a passion for Play
  • Profession goals

3. Letters of Support: 2-3 letters of support signed and dated by the author
4. Alberta ECE Certification: copy of ECE certification from the Alberta government
OR  copy of certificate, diploma or degree in ELCC or ECE

5. Nominee Resume


All documents must be complete and received in full and on time in order for your nominee to be considered for this award. Once we receive nominations, our team will review each nomination and set up in-person interviews with selected nominees. Nominees must be available for in-person interviews to qualify for this award. 

Before You Begin

This document is provided as a template. Please download or make a copy of the application before completing it. Do not request editing access or make changes to the original document. Once you have saved your own copy, you can complete, save, and submit your application.

Download the Illuminate Play Award Information Package Here

Download the Illuminate Play Award Nomination Package Here

Please email the nomination package to info@aecpcn.org by November 1, 2026.