Nominations have closed for 2012.

Nominees for Celebration of Child Care Champions awards may be submitted by the community-at-large and/or through self-nomination. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 1, 2012.

All nominees will be required to submit a portfolio in order to be considered for an award. A panel of community judges will select one award recipient for each of the categories below. Nominees will receive information in early February on application requirements and the selection process. Each nominee who submits a complete application will receive two free tickets to the event.

2012 Award Categories

Young Professional of the Year for Tarrant County 
This nominee has been in the Early Childhood field for no more than two years, demonstrates an unusual ability to conduct a high quality classroom and has attended at least 20 hours of training in the previous 12 months. 

Teacher of the Year for Tarrant County 
This nominee is a classroom teacher working in a child care center, preschool, public school pre-k, or similar institution with over two years experience, documented ability to conduct a high quality classroom and is a member of a professional organization. This nominee must also be able to demonstrate completion at least 20 hours of training over the previous 12 months. Their child care center must be in good standing with licensing (if applicable).

Administrator of the Year for Tarrant County 
This nominee is a director and/or owner of a child care center, preschool, public school Pre-K, or similar institution for longer than two years, and can document his/her ability to conduct a high quality child care business. They must have membership in a professional organization, have completed at least 25 hours of training in the previous 12 months, and their business must be in good standing with licensing (if applicable). 

Family Child Care Provider of the Year for Tarrant County 
This nominee is an owner or employee of a Family Child Care business. The nominee must be able to document their ability to conduct a high quality Family Child Care business. They must be a member of a professional organization, be in good standing with licensing, and have received over 20 hours of training in the previous 12 months.

Phyllis Jack Moore Professional Development Award 
The nominee is an individual who has impacted the professional development of child care providers in the Tarrant County Community. Examples may include: an Early Childhood trainer, a university instructor/professor, a community leader, a foundation or individual donor. They must be able to document their work and be a member of a professional organization.

Child Care Professionals – please share this letter with the parents of children that attend your school, center or home. It encourages them to nominate as well.