Missouri Association for the Education of Young Children (MOAEYC) is pleased to announce early childhood professionals in Missouri will be recognized for their outstanding service to the field. 

The awards will be presented at the Conference on the Young Years during the MOAEYC 50th Anniversary Gala – Friday, March 6, 2026, from 7:30-10:00 pm.

Nominations closed December 1, 2025

2025 Award Recipients

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.