Niagara Early Learning and Child Care Appreciation and Recognition Gala
Hear from those who attend and support the annual event
Each year, the Early Childhood Community Development Centre (ECCDC) in Niagara region holds its annual Niagara Early Learning and Child Care Appreciation and Recognition Gala (formerly the Awards of Excellence) to honour and celebrate the achievements of those working in and supporting Niagara’s early learning and child care programs. Recognition presentations are offered in a wide variety of categories, recognizing individuals and teams for achievements in leadership, volunteerism, professionalism, inclusion and commitment to ongoing learning, among other things.
Meet some of the employers, volunteers, attendees and award recipients who participate in and support the event.
Sarah Maragoudakis, B.A. (Employer)
General Manager Children’s Services
YMCA of Niagara
RECEs play such an important role in the critical early years of a child’s life. Why do you think recognition events like these are important?
Recognition events like this shine a light on the skill, care, and intentional practice that educators bring to their work every single day. They remind RECEs that their dedication is seen and valued, not only by families and colleagues, but by the broader community and the sector as a whole. At a time when the early learning and child care sector is facing significant workforce pressures, recognition also plays an important labour-market role. Celebrating educators helps reinforce that this is respected, meaningful, and professional work, which supports both recruitment and retention across the sector.
What does this event and awards mean to you? What would you say they mean for the profession?
Events like this allow educators the time and space to pause, reflect, and truly celebrate the impact they have as RECEs, on children, families, communities, and on one another. The energy in the room is always powerful, with educators from across Niagara coming together to celebrate each other’s work. These awards recognize both individuals and teams who are making a meaningful difference in the region. Quality child care is transformative for families; it allows parents and caregivers to participate in the workforce with confidence, knowing their children are safe, supported, and thriving. These celebrations reinforce the essential role RECEs play, not only in early learning, but in strengthening our communities and local economy.
Courtney Scott, RECE (Event attendee)
Early Learning & Child Care Advisor
Métis Nation of Ontario
Why do you attend this event? What does it mean to you? Why do you think this is important for the ECE community?
I attend the Early Learning and Child Care Appreciation and Recognition Gala because, through my role as an Early Learning and Child Care Advisor with the Métis Nation of Ontario, I work closely with the ECCDC to support meaningful Métis inclusion in the early years, both in Niagara and across the province.
This event holds deep meaning for me. This year, the gala was opened and closed by a local Métis Senator, and witnessing this level of representation was both powerful and affirming. Moments like this are a meaningful reflection of Truth and Reconciliation in action, demonstrating the importance of visibly honouring and respecting Indigenous voices within our shared community spaces.
The gala is incredibly important for the ECE community. In a sector where educators often feel burnt out, exhausted, and undervalued, an evening dedicated to celebration, recognition, and connection with fellow early years professionals can be deeply renewing. It offers a much-needed reminder of the value of this work and can be the spark many of us need to carry forward through an especially demanding time of year.
Heather Lacey, RECE
Supervisor, Welland Parent Child Care, Strive Niagara
Program Recipient of the Care Advocate for Excellence in Supporting Children’s Mental Health and Well-being
What does receiving this award mean to you? What does it feel like to have this recognition – to have been nominated and also receive this award?
The award for advocacy for children’s mental health and well-being is something we are very excited and proud to have received. Strive Niagara’s mission and driving force of the work we do each day is to put children’s mental health first. Our holistic approach to children and families supports the success of our programs. It’s wonderful to know that what we do each day is making a difference and is seen by the community.
What is something you’re most proud of in your work as an early childhood educator?
One of the many things I am proud of working in the ECE field is seeing the growth and success of our young families. Seeing when a young teen parent with few or no high school credits comes into our programs and over time builds confidence to graduate high school and move on to College or university is not only a success for the young parent but a success to our communities as well. [Lack of access to] child care while attending school is one of the key barriers to success, and we have developed quality child care programs where families feel a sense of belonging which allows them to focus on their education.
What would you say to RECEs around the province, to highlight and celebrate the important work they do alongside you, for the children of Ontario?
Let’s keep pushing forward. I understand this field can be hard and we have seen so many changes, but the difference we make and continue to make for our families can be life changing for them as well as lifechanging for us.
Tammy Bibeau, EPEI
Responsable des programmes à La Boîte à soleil
Centre éducatif La Boîte à soleil
Event Planning Committee Member
Tell us about the pride in offering and organizing this event:
I am very proud to serve on the committee that organizes this event, as it gives us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication and hard work of one another and of the RECEs in our community who support children and families throughout the year. As an RECE working within a francophone child care organization and serving a minority population in the Niagara Region, this event is also a meaningful opportunity to highlight the vital role of francophone early learning, as well as our presence, voice, and contributions within the broader early childhood education community.
Can you share a bit about the sector-wide collaboration and input it requires:
This event is truly a collaborative effort made possible through the support of many community partners. Financial contributions and donated gifts help make the evening special and engaging, allowing our community to come together, dress up, and celebrate. These partnerships reflect a shared appreciation for the commitment and dedication required to work with young children and families.
Why do you think this event is important to continue each year?
Continuing this event each year is essential to recognize the accomplishments and hard work of the previous year while reinforcing that the child care sector is a professional, skilled, and valued field. It provides an opportunity to celebrate excellence, build sector pride, and strengthen our sense of community.
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