Celebrate Excellence in Head Start: Awards Nominations

The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is proud to honor the incredible individuals who make a difference in Head Start and Early Head Start programs across our state. From dedicated employees and inspiring parents to exceptional alumni, volunteers, and community partners, these changemakers shape the future of Florida’s children.

Why Nominate? 

Recognition matters. By nominating someone, you highlight their invaluable contributions and ensure their efforts are celebrated at the state, regional,

and national levels. FHSA works in partnership with Region IV Head Start Associations (RIVHSA) to streamline the award process, making it easy to showcase the outstanding work happening across our communities.

Award Categories

With 18 total awards and scholarships available, there’s a category for every standout contributor. This includes 12 prestigious RIVHSA awards and 6 national categories recognized by the National Head Start Association (NHSA).

Each year, RIVHSA selects three rotating award categories to spotlight exceptional individuals in Head Start and Early Head Start.
For this awards cycle, recognition will go to:

• Administrator of the Year – Honoring a Director in Head Start or Early Head Start.
• Staff of the Year – Celebrating an Early Child Development/Health: Nutrition Emphasis professional who goes above and beyond in supporting families.
• Support Staff of the Year – Recognizing a Transportation Services professional who plays a vital role in child well-being.

How to Submit a Nomination

Each Grantee recipient selects nominees within their agency and submits their nominations to FHSA in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the RIVHSA Awards & Scholarship application booklet. All nominations must reflect contributions made during the July 2025 – June 2026 program year. The FHSA awards committee will then select state representatives to advance to the regional and national stages.

Nominate a deserving individual today and shine a spotlight on the people driving excellence in Head Start! Don’t wait—the deadline is approaching fast. Submit your nominations now and be part of this celebration of leadership and impact.

Here's the process:

• Nominate your candidate(s) by June 5, 2026, using the RIVHSA application booklet. FHSA has made completing the application easier by creating an editable PDF document. All applications must reflect services contributed during the current program/school year as of July 2025 – June 2026.  

• Grantee recipients must send their nominations to FHSA by the June 5, 2026 deadline either via email ([email protected]) or postal mail to FHSA 111 N. Gadsden Street, Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL 32301 in order for us to meet the RIVHSA deadline date of July 15, 2026. 

• FHSA Awards Committee will review each application for completeness. 

• The FHSA Awards Committee will review and score each nomination based on the established scoring rubric. 

• FHSA selects a winner and sends those to RIVHSA for consideration to be recognized by RIVHSA's designated deadline date. 

• State winners are recognized during the FHSA Annual Awards program which will be held during its annual conference in Orlando, FL on October 27-29, 2026.

Awards Criteria

1. Nominees for all awards must be members in good standing.
2. Nominees may not be nominated for more than one category per year.
3. Nominations submitted without the required documentation will not be considered.
4. All criteria for an award or scholarship must be met.
5. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
6. Some Regional and National awards/scholarships are tied to a cash award. These awards/scholarships will be given by the respective organizations. As a State recipient, we do not provide any cash-based awards. If selected by the State to advance to the Regional level for one of these awards/scholarships and you are selected as the recipient, you will be required to provide your social security number and other required information for redemption. FHSA will not ask for or collect any personal information during the nomination process.     

Questions? Contact Victoria Tharpe at [email protected]