Missouri Association for the Education of Young Children (MOAEYC) recognizes early childhood professionals in Missouri for their outstanding service to the field. 

The awards are presented at the Conference on the Young Years (March)

Next Nominations will open in late 2026

2025 Award Recipients

A very special part of the MOAEYC “Gold Rush Gala” – MOAEYC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at CYY, on March 6, 2026, was the recognition of the Early Childhood Professionals that were selected from your nominations. 

The Recognition Awards were presented to:

Danielle Todd- Administrator

Kurt Hafley- ECE Advocacy

Tobie Bohannon- Preschool

Bailey Owens- Emerging Leader

Congratulations to them all for this achievement and for the impact they have made in the Early Childhood profession.

A very special part of the MOAEYC “Mardi Gras Ball” Celebration at CYY, on March 7, 2025, was the recognition of the Early Childhood Professionals that were selected from your nominations. 

The Recognition Awards were presented to (Left to right) Bailey Austin (Early Childhood Preschool), Erica Buck (Early Childhood K-3), Samantha Lacefield (ECE Emerging Early Learning Leader), Casey Hanson, for Kids Win Missouri (Advocacy), Rachel Allison (Early Childhood Administrator), (not pictured – Madelyn Dorenbusch (Early Childhood Infant Toddler)

If you work with, or know any of these people, please congratulate them on their achievement and the impact they have made in the Early Childhood profession.

A very special part of the MOAEYC “Evening Under the Stars” Celebration at CYY on March 8, 2024, was the recognition of the Early Childhood Professionals. 

The Recognition Awards were presented to (Left to right) Tracy James (Early Childhood Administrator), Veronica Hoermann (Early Childhood Young Professional), Erin Mareth (Early Childhood Professional Preschool Teacher), Emily Fluckey (Early Childhood Professional K-3 Teacher) and Tammy Dugger (Early Childhood Infant-Toddler Teacher).

(not pictured- Rep. Brenda Shields (Advocacy Award) 

Nicci Rexroat and Samantha Lacefield presented the Advocacy Award to Rep Brenda Shields during Week of the Young Child at her office in the Missouri Capitol.