Fort Erie educators recognized at regional early learning awards

Brent Jones
December 7, 2025 at 6:06 AM

Several Fort Erie early childhood programs and educators were among those celebrated at a major regional gala this week honouring excellence in early learning across Niagara.

The Early Childhood Community Development Centre (ECCDC) hosted its annual Niagara Early Learning and Child Care Appreciation and Recognition Gala on Thursday at the Americana Conference Resort in Niagara Falls.

The event drew more than 500 guests and recognized 23 individuals, programs, volunteers and students for contributions to young children and families throughout the region, according to an ECCDC news release.

Fort Erie was represented prominently among the evening’s honourees. Staff from Fort Erie Aboriginal Head Start and the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre took part in presenting several of the night’s awards, while local educators and programs were also recognized for leadership and innovation in early childhood development.

Among the Fort Erie recipients was the EarlyON Child and Family Centre team of Anita Sansalone and Denise Iliffe, who received recognition for their work supporting early learning programming and family engagement. The ECCDC said the honour acknowledges teams that demonstrate “exemplary commitment” to creating welcoming and developmentally rich environments for families.

The gala also highlighted local partnerships, including the involvement of Fort Erie Aboriginal Head Start in supporting recognition presentations. The program provides culturally grounded early learning opportunities for Indigenous children in the community and has long been a regional collaborator at ECCDC events.

Other honours at the gala included awards for environmental stewardship, professional learning, inclusion, mental health supports and innovative programming. Recipients ranged from home child-care providers to kindergarten teams, licensed centres and sector volunteers.

The ECCDC, a charitable organization that has supported early childhood educators for more than 30 years, said the annual event is meant to shine a light on the professionals who “help lay the foundation” for children’s development across Niagara.

In addition to early learning staff and families, the gala drew greetings from federal representatives, municipal leaders and local school boards. Sponsors included the YMCA of Niagara, Walker Industries, Mountainview Building Group, A Child’s World, CIBC, and both Niagara school boards.

A full list of award recipients is available through the ECCDC.