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Early childhood education experts are encouraged to share their knowledge and expertise in the field by becoming a subject matter expert (SME) for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

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NAEYC is expanding its pool of SMEs to support creating professional development, training, and webinars for early education leaders and educators. It aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by drawing on the insights of SMEs in regard to practical applications, best practices, and lessons learned in the field.

A subject matter expert is defined as someone who has mastery of a particular early education topic, hands-on experience and the ability to translate both to support early education professionals. The SMEs should know how to implement realistic and practical strategies for creating culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate experiences for young children.

To become an SME for NAEYC, the following criteria is required:

• Hold a master’s degree or doctorate in early childhood education, developmental psychology, child development and family studies, early childhood special education, elementary education, or other related degree
• Have experience as an early childhood professional, preferably as a direct service provider – program administrator, teacher, or family childcare provider – or ability to adapt a specific knowledge base to an early childhood audience
• Have knowledge of adult learning theory

Applying and the Selection Process

To apply, complete the NAEYC SME Pool Application and attach a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Candidates who meet the SME criteria will be added to the SME pool. When NAEYC seeks expertise, candidates will be selected and retained on a contractual basis. Applications will be active for two years; after that time, a new application will be required to maintain active status.

NAEYC is seeking SMEs on the following topics:

• Advocacy/public policy
• Art
• Child Development
• Children with disabilities and/or early intervention
• Cognitive development
• Community partnerships
• Curriculum theories and approaches
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Emergent bilingual/multilingual learners
• Family engagement
• Guidance or classroom management
• Health and safety
• Infant/toddlers
• Kindergarten
• Leadership
• Learning environments
• Language and literacy
• Mathematics
• Observation and assessment
• Physical development
• Play
• Professionalism and ethics
• Program administration
• Science
• Social and emotional development
• Social studies
• Teaching and instructional practices
• Technology 

For more information, visit NAEYC’s website.