Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence in Child Care: Recognizing Alaska’s Leaders in Early Childhood Education
At thread, we understand how crucial it is to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding individuals and programs that shape the child care industry in Alaska. Since 2015, we’ve been shining a spotlight on those who go above and beyond in their commitment to providing top-quality care. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate 10 incredible years of our awards program, recognizing the achievements that elevate our industry and inspire others to grow and improve. You can read more about thread Awards here.
Honoring Excellence: The Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award
Our first award category honors early childhood education professionals and is named after one of Alaska’s trailblazing leaders in the field, Cindy Harrington. The Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award has been an annual tradition, recognizing an individual who embodies Cindy’s passion, strength, and professionalism in their work with young children. Cindy was known for her deep respect for overcoming challenges, and this award honors those who reflect these qualities in their daily work. Learn more about The Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award here.
The recipient of this prestigious award will receive a beautiful glass trophy, a $1,000 monetary prize, as well as recognition on thread’s website, in our e-Newsletter, and through a press release to the media. This award continues to serve as a tribute to Cindy’s legacy and the impact she had on early childhood education in Alaska. You can see past recipients here.
Quality Improvement in Action: The Quality Improvement Program of the Year Award
In 2017, thread introduced the Quality Improvement Program of the Year Award, recognizing one early childhood education program and one family child care program that have shown exceptional progress and dedication to continuous quality improvement. Through Alaska’s Learn & Grow Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS), these programs exemplify the commitment to raising the bar for child care across the state. Learn more about the Quality Improvement Program of the Year Award here. and you can check out previous years’ recipients here.
Introducing the Legacy Award: Celebrating Long-Term Impact
This year, we’re excited to launch a new award category — The Legacy Award. This award honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to the advancement and strengthening of early childhood education in Alaska. Whether through direct involvement in licensed child care programs or through advocacy for high-quality care across the state, the recipient of this award has made a significant difference in shaping the future of child care in Alaska. Read all about it here.
The recipient of this award will receive a beautiful glass trophy, a $1,000 monetary prize, as well as recognition on thread’s website, in our e-Newsletter, and through a press release to the media.
Join Us for the 10th Annual Awards Celebration
To mark this special 10th anniversary, we’re hosting a virtual Awards event on Friday, May 9, 2025, where we’ll announce this year’s recipients and celebrate their incredible achievements. Don’t miss out — RSVP today to be part of this exciting event and to honor the leaders who are making a real difference in early childhood education in Alaska.
Want to Get Involved? Become a Sponsor!
If you’re passionate about supporting Alaska’s child care professionals and programs, consider becoming a sponsor for the 2025 thread Awards. Your sponsorship will help us celebrate the incredible work being done by early childhood educators and ensure that high-quality child care continues to thrive in Alaska. Click below to find more details and how you can get involved.