Florida Association for the Education of Young Children Recognizes Award Winners

The Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC) has announced its annual awards, recognizing some truly exceptional members of the 70-year-old, statewide organization. FLAEYC provides a statewide network to strengthen education for Florida’s young children. Its support of the teaching profession benefits children in classrooms throughout the state, and their families too. Given that about 90 percent of a child’s brain develops by age five, the educational and broader influences during this period often last a lifetime, which is why the organization serves early childhood professionals so they can help provide the best possible outcomes for Florida’s children.

FLAEYC awards include:

Advocate of the Year Award

FLAEYC recognizes that early childhood education professionals are everyday advocates for their children, families, communities, and the early education field. At its core, advocacy is about lifting voices in support of or defending a person, group, or cause. The Advocate of the Year Award recognizes and honors Early Childhood Advocates making a significant difference in the lives of children, their families, and educators. This awardee demonstrates ongoing advocacy for children, early childhood teachers and families at the local and/or state level.

Barbara Fink Leadership Award

This honor is provided to FLAEYC members who have demonstrated superior and outstanding leadership and dedication to FLAEYC’s mission and organization, as well as to their local community over the years. It recognizes the excellent leadership of Mrs. Barbara Fink, who in 1956 served as the first president of Florida Association for Children Under Six, the name for FLAEYC until late 1993. She was also president of Southern Association for Children Under Six from 1960-62.

Educator of the Year Award

FLAEYC and the Children’s Movement established this award as a way of recognizing a Florida Educator, either center based or family childcare home, demonstrating excellence in the Early Childhood Education field. It’s provided to an educator who shows a commitment to FLAEYC’s mission of ensuring that all children have access to high quality, early childhood education experiences and is committed to continued professional development.

Local Leader of the Year Award

Each year, FLAEYC works with local and statewide chapters to honor members who stand out in the field. The recipients of this award are individuals dedicated to the work they do and inspire others to be the best they can be in the field of early childhood education.

The 2026 award winners are:

Advocate Award - Laurie McCracken

Barbara Finck Award - Erin Smeltzer

Children's Champion Award - The Children's Movement

Director Award - Angela Anderson

Family Home Educator - Arletty Llanes

Infant Toddler Educator - Dalia Hernandez

K-3 Award - Anabel Lessmann

Local Leader Award - Tomica King Jackson

Local Leader Award - Julie Bauer

Local Leader Award - Amanda Danielle Flowers

Preschool Educator Award - Lymaris Torres

VPK Educator Award - Jana Tardiff