Do you know an exceptional family child-care provider, early childhood educator or innovative individual who consistently goes above and beyond in their role of helping young children grow and learn?

Does your local government make a positive difference by supporting child-care excellence in your community?

If so, nominate them for an award of excellence.

Nominations for the 2012 B.C. Child Care Awards of Excellence are now open. Every year, the Ministry of Children and Family Development celebrates outstanding individuals, local governments, facilities and organizations delivering exceptional service to B.C.'s children and families.

The ministry will honour individuals and organizations in four categories:

. General (four regional awards): For early childhood educators (ECEs) with an active licence to practise or licensed family child-care providers currently working in a licensed child-care setting.

. Aboriginal (two awards): One award for an ECE of Aboriginal descent currently working in a licensed child-care setting or an Aboriginal organization currently offering care to Aboriginal children. This award category also includes the Lenora Pritchard Award of Excellence to honour outstanding leadership and mentorship by an Aboriginal child-care provider.

. Innovation (two awards): One for an individual and one for a facility or organization demonstrating innovation in child-care programming in a traditional or non-traditional setting.

. Local Government (two awards): Honours local governments that demonstrate leadership in the development of initiatives, projects or programs that support the delivery of high-quality child care.

Nominations will be accepted until March 5, 2012. Winners will be announced in May, which is Child Care Month in B.C.

For the forms and instructions on nominations for the 2012 B.C. Child Care Awards of Excellence, visit www.mcf. gov.bc.ca/childcare/awards/ index.htm.

Nomination forms can be sent by any of the following three methods:

. By fax to the attention of the Child Care Awards of Excellence at 1-250-356-0399.

. By e-mail to wendy. i.mcmahon@gov.bc.ca.

. By mail to Child Care Awards of Excellence, Early Years Team, Ministry of Children and Family Development, PO Box 9778, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9S5.