LAKE COUNTY – The Lake County Child Care Planning Council, along with many other Lake County agencies, organizations and individuals, are uniting once again to honor Early Childhood Educators through the second-annual ECE Award program.

Last year’s inaugural event was a great success, with the award-winners and nominees being honored by local dignitaries and leaders in the field at a special dinner held at Moore Family Winery, and this year promises to be even more exciting.

Nomination forms are being distributed widely throughout the county at elementary schools and other public offices, and an online submission form is available to make nominating a professional as convenient as possible.

Nomination forms are beginning to pour in, and winners will be selected based on a detailed interview and evaluation process that takes into consideration their education, commitment to their profession, and effectiveness in their role as educators.

To nominate an educator, please visit www.lakecountychildcareplanning.com . Nominations must be received by April 2.

“Early Childhood Educators contribute significantly to our communities. Quality early childhood education dramatically impacts high school graduation rates, keeps our communities working, and helps our communities develop productive, effective citizens of the future,” said Shelly Mascari, of the Lake County Child Care Planning Council. “Many of these educators have dedicated decades to their profession; their education in many cases equals that of the K-12 educator; and yet we are lacking a forum to recognize excellence in their field. The goal of this program is to do just that.”

The winners will receive an award package that includes scholarships to our local community colleges, gift certificates for classroom materials, press recognition, award plaques and more.

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

• Provider of the Year (Family Child Care);

• Provider of the Year (Center-Based);

• School-Age Provider of the Year;

• Early Care & Education Advocate of the Year;

• Outstanding Special-Needs Inclusion;

• Leading the Field Award;

• Center of the Year.

To find out how to be involved in this program or support this important work financially, contact The Lake County Child Care Planning Council, 707-994-4795, www.lakecountychildcareplanning.com .