Current Awards
Now Accepting Applications for the Spring 2026 B. H. Rowland Award for Excellence
Applications must be received by March 23rd.
The B. H. Rowland Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting the work
of early childhood professionals in North Carolina. It was established to honor Bobbie H. Rowland, a long-
time leader in the field of early care and education. The Foundation will grant annual awards in her memory to
recognize the efforts of early childhood professionals in North Carolina and to share their stories with others.
The Foundation’s annual award for Spring 2026, will be awarded to early childhood professionals who interact
directly with young children and/or families. Award recipients will have demonstrated excellence in
prioritizing personal emotional and mental wellness to maximize impact on serving young children
and families. Early Childhood Professionals are welcome to submit an application accompanied by two letters
of recommendation recognizing their exceptional work. Please review all eligibility and selection criteria for the
2026 award below.
Applicants selected to receive the B. H. Rowland Award for Excellence will receive a monetary award in the
form of a gift card, as well as a certificate of recognition. In addition, award recipients will have their work
showcased on the B. H. Rowland Foundation website and may be invited to share their experiences at state
early childhood conferences.
Eligibility Criteria
• Early childhood professionals who work directly with children (from birth through kindergarten) and/or
families.
• Employed in early care and education centers or schools, family childcare homes, early intervention programs
(B-5), or kindergarten classrooms.
• Two letters of recommendation/support, one from your supervisor, and one from a mentor, evaluator, consultant, or colleague.
• Working in one of the following counties: Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Davidson,
Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Montgomery, Richmond, Rowan, Rutherford, Scotland, Stanley, or Union.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on information contained in the application. Selection will be based on the
strength of the reflections and practices related to the following:
• Description of philosophy in how prioritizing emotional and mental wellness impacts effectiveness in the
classroom/home/community.
• Specific strategies and routines related to effective emotional and mental wellness of adults and children.
• Description of ongoing reflection on practice/lessons learned.
• Usefulness of practices and ideas for other early childhood professionals to consider.
Application Process
Submit a completed and signed application, two letters of recommendation/support, and relevant documentation
electronically by clicking here.
For additional information, check out the following site: NCIMHA | Competencies - Relationship-Focused
Practice Promoting Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.
of early childhood professionals in North Carolina. It was established to honor Bobbie H. Rowland, a long-
time leader in the field of early care and education. The Foundation will grant annual awards in her memory to
recognize the efforts of early childhood professionals in North Carolina and to share their stories with others.
The Foundation’s annual award for Spring 2026, will be awarded to early childhood professionals who interact
directly with young children and/or families. Award recipients will have demonstrated excellence in
prioritizing personal emotional and mental wellness to maximize impact on serving young children
and families. Early Childhood Professionals are welcome to submit an application accompanied by two letters
of recommendation recognizing their exceptional work. Please review all eligibility and selection criteria for the
2026 award below.
Applicants selected to receive the B. H. Rowland Award for Excellence will receive a monetary award in the
form of a gift card, as well as a certificate of recognition. In addition, award recipients will have their work
showcased on the B. H. Rowland Foundation website and may be invited to share their experiences at state
early childhood conferences.
Eligibility Criteria
• Early childhood professionals who work directly with children (from birth through kindergarten) and/or
families.
• Employed in early care and education centers or schools, family childcare homes, early intervention programs
(B-5), or kindergarten classrooms.
• Two letters of recommendation/support, one from your supervisor, and one from a mentor, evaluator, consultant, or colleague.
• Working in one of the following counties: Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Davidson,
Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Montgomery, Richmond, Rowan, Rutherford, Scotland, Stanley, or Union.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on information contained in the application. Selection will be based on the
strength of the reflections and practices related to the following:
• Description of philosophy in how prioritizing emotional and mental wellness impacts effectiveness in the
classroom/home/community.
• Specific strategies and routines related to effective emotional and mental wellness of adults and children.
• Description of ongoing reflection on practice/lessons learned.
• Usefulness of practices and ideas for other early childhood professionals to consider.
Application Process
Submit a completed and signed application, two letters of recommendation/support, and relevant documentation
electronically by clicking here.
For additional information, check out the following site: NCIMHA | Competencies - Relationship-Focused
Practice Promoting Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.
Applications must be received by March 23rd.
Awards will be announced mid-May.
