Each year, the UNK Early Childhood Committee recognizes two Early Childhood Professions at the Annual Conference.
This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and/or advocacy in the field of early childhood care and education. We are seeking nominations for this prestigious award to honor professionals who exemplify the highest standards of dedication, professionalism, and impact in their work with young children and families.
The award will be evaluated based on the following criteria. Please provide examples in your application as evidence for each area:
Years of Service and Commitment to Quality: Demonstrates years of dedicated service with sustained, positive contributions and consistent growth toward meeting licensing requirements, or is in the process of becoming licensed.
Continuous Learning in Early Childhood Care and Education: Actively engages in ongoing professional development, pursuing advanced certifications, training, and education to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
Professionalism: Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, including ethical behavior, integrity, and culturally sensitive practices. Serves as a role model for children, families, and colleagues.
Community Collaboration: Actively collaborates with community organizations, educators, and families to foster partnerships that address community needs. Demonstrates leadership in community engagement.
Advocacy for Policy and/or Practice: Actively advocates for the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field through policy influence or active participation in advocacy efforts for both policy and practice.
Reference Letter: Provide at least one reference letter from a colleague, supervisor, or community member that highlights your work and contributions in the areas mentioned above.
All proposals must be submitted by June 1, 2025 Late submissions will not be considered.
The selected recipient will be notified by August 1, 2025 and the award will be presented during the UNK-Community Early Childhood Conference, held in Kearney on October 17-18, 2025.
Submit Application for the Early Childhood Practitioner Award
This award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and innovation in the field of early childhood education. We are seeking nominations for this prestigious award to recognize professionals whose work has made a lasting and significant impact on the early childhood field in Nebraska. The following criteria will be used to evaluate each application.
The award will be evaluated based on the following criteria. Please provide examples in your application as evidence for each area:
Leadership: Demonstrates exceptional leadership in early childhood education, setting a clear vision, guiding others, and making a significant, lasting impact. Shows a deep commitment to improving the field, consistently guiding others toward measurable outcomes, and addressing challenges with innovative solutions.
Advocacy: Actively champions early childhood issues through widespread advocacy efforts. Utilizes a variety of strategies—policy, community, education—to advocate for children, families, and the early childhood workforce. Demonstrates strong, positive outcomes from advocacy actions.
Innovation: Consistently demonstrates creativity and innovation by introducing new ideas, practices, or programs that have a positive impact on early childhood education and services. These innovations may have a local or statewide impact, fostering growth and improvement in the field.
Involvement with the Nebraska Early Childhood Workforce: Actively involved and recognized within the Nebraska early childhood workforce. Has made significant and sustained contributions to workforce development, leading to positive outcomes and continued growth within the profession.
Reference Letter: Provide at least one reference letter that highlights the nominee’s qualifications in leadership, advocacy, innovation, and involvement with the early childhood workforce. The letter(s) should offer clear, detailed examples of the nominee’s contributions, demonstrating the unique and exceptional impact they have had in their field.
All proposals must be submitted by June 1, 2025 Late submissions will not be considered.
The selected recipient will be notified by August 1, 2025 and the award will be presented during the UNK-Community Early Childhood Conference, held in Kearney on October 17-18, 2025.
Submit Application for the Dr. Lavonne Plambeck Early Childhood Pioneer Award
