The purpose of this award shall be to recognize and honor the life-long commitment of Betty Garlick, the first Michigan AEYC president, to children and families.  Betty Garlick was a pioneer in the field of early childhood education.  She was a teacher of children, an advocate on behalf of children and families, an author and editor, an environmentalist, a consultant, an innovative programmer and an evaluator.  The breadth and depth of these contributions should serve as a guide in selecting future recipients.

Recipients of this award should have devoted a large part of their lives to working on behalf of Michigan’s children and families, and be at the end of their career or within a year of retirement.  Further, individuals considered for this award shall have made exceptional contributions to the early childhood profession, locally and statewide.  They will also have been involved in professional activities beyond their paid position.  These may include (but are not limited to): legislation, research, publication, and leadership in professional organizations.

Committee Expectations:

• Nomination forms will be online and consist of:
  • a letter which provides detailed information about why the nominee deserves this award by:
    • describing the nominee’s career in early childhood/family services in Michigan
    • explaining the exceptional contributions made to the field as an employee and as a volunteer
    • describing the professional activities beyond a paid position in which the nominee engaged
  • a minimum of three additional supporting documents such as letters, publications, newspaper clippings, etc. that enhance the descriptions in the letter
• The award will be given only when a truly outstanding person is nominated; this will not necessarily occur every year.
• Current employees or contractors of Michigan AEYC are not eligible.
• Solicitation and initial screening of nominations will be done by a standing committee on awards.
• Final decisions will be voted upon by the Michigan AEYC Governing Board if recommended by both the committee and the Executive Committee
• Honorees will be recognized by having their names inscribed on a plaque permanently displayed at the Michigan AEYC office, by having their names added to the list on the Michigan AEYC website, and by receiving a personal memento in recognition of their achievements.
• Specific money will be set aside in the annual budget to cover the recipient’s expenses (travel, lodging, meals for the Michigan AEYC conference) as appropriate and to also cover the cost of the award memento.