Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award
Honoring Early Childhood Education Professionals!
The Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award is an annual award given to an individual who is currently working in the field of early childhood education in the state of Alaska. Cindy Harrington was one of the founding mothers of early childhood work in Alaska, as well as a member of thread’s Board of Directors until her untimely passing in May of 2014.
This program honors Cindy’s passion, strength, and professionalism by awarding an individual in early childhood education who exemplifies these characteristics. One of Cindy Harrington’s strengths was recognizing individual achievement, especially when it involved overcoming barriers. The recipient of this award demonstrates the qualities Cindy herself would want to honor.
Criteria
Recognition Category: Individual excellence
Eligibility
Individuals who currently work in the early childhood education field in Alaska, with special consideration given to those in child care, and who possess some or all of Cindy Harrington’s heart and mind characteristics identified below. Special consideration will be given to individuals who have overcome barriers in achieving professional growth and demonstrated generosity of spirit in helping others. thread staff are not eligible to receive this award.
Recognition & Criteria
The recipient is honored during a special award ceremony and receives the Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award and a monetary award of $1,000. They will also be featured on thread’s website and in thread’s e-newsletter, as well as in a press release to the media.
Nominees should be individuals currently employed in the early childhood education field in Alaska who exhibit the following characteristics as demonstrated through their work with young children:
- Involvement with the early childhood education profession, particularly child care
- Strength of character
- Commitment to excellence
- Professional determination
- Impassioned spirit
- Dedication to professional growth
- Passion for engaging families
- Commitment to encouraging others
- Commitment to child care during the Covid pandemic
Nomination Process
Nominations can be made by anyone familiar with the nominee’s contribution to the early childhood education field. All nominations forms must be fully completed at the time of submissions to be considered. Selections will be made by the awards committee and based solely on the nomination submitted.
Congratulations to our 2024 recipient, April Yang! Watch the recording of the 2024 thread Awards Ceremony below. Nominations for the Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award are now closed and will open again in 2025.
Awards sponsored by:
Supporter
Mover & Shaker
Best Friend
