The Annual Niagara Early Learning and Child Care Appreciation and Recognition Gala took place last evening at The Americana Conference Resort in Niagara Falls. During this special event, twenty-three early learning professionals, programs, volunteers, and students received recognition for their outstanding commitment to children and families in Niagara. Emcee Aiko Iwashita of Niagara’s Dream 105.7FM supported with acknowledging the honourees at this special event, which was coordinated by the Early Childhood Community Development Centre (ECCDC), a longstanding charitable organization. More than five hundred guests including early childhood educators, kindergarten teams, home child care professionals, students, volunteers, EarlyON Teams, and community partners were in attendance at this year’s gala event, which was sponsored by Louise Kool and Galt, Canada’s leading supplier of classroom resources and equipment.

Niagara’s Dream 105.7FM was this year’s media sponsor, and ten local organizations also supported the event, including: the YMCA of Niagara, Walker Industries, Mountainview Building Group, A Child’s World Family Child Care Services, Little One’s Lunches, CIBC, District School Board of Niagara, Niagara Catholic District School Board, and Skycomp Solutions. The ECCDC is also grateful for several other local businesses who contributed items for the silent auction fundraiser.
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The Appreciation and Recognition Gala showcases the significant accomplishments of early learning professionals and the quality experiences offered within early learning and child care programs across Niagara. This year, the event takes place on Wednesday December 3, 2025 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at The Americana Conference Resort in Niagara Falls. The gala is an annual event coordinated by the Early Childhood Community Development Centre (ECCDC), a charitable organization in its 31st year of offering professional learning, pedagogical resources, and mentoring supports within the early learning sector.

More than 500 guests will attend this year’s event, which celebrates the exceptional dedication of educators, administrators, support staff, students, and volunteers for the enriching and nurturing early learning opportunities they provide to Niagara’s children. This special event will be hosted by Dream 105.7’s Aiko Iwashita and kicked off with an opening prayer offered by Senator Jean-Jacques Séguin of Métis Nation of Ontario. A jiggle dance will be performed by Sara Cotter. The evening will feature 14 recognition presentations, a silent auction, and entertainment provided by The Feverish Lemons Duo, a Niagara-based musical group.
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