August 26, 2024 NAEYC Releases Advocacy Toolkit Ahead of November Election The National Association for the Education of Young Children has released an Electoral Advocacy Toolkit that includes resources aimed at supporting and advancing nonpartisan advocacy efforts. Learn More The U.S. general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. On its website, NAEYC notes that early childhood educators play an important role in ensuring that child care and early learning are priorities for voters and candidates. The association has released a toolkit that includes resources to support and advance nonpartisan electoral advocacy efforts. These include everything from signs to take to candidate town halls to ideas to help “get out the vote” in support of early childhood education and educators. November Election The toolkit notes that 33 U.S. Senate seats, 11 gubernatorial elections, thousands of state and local elections, and 435 U.S. House of Representatives seats will be on the ballot in November. As a result, more than 40 million children will be impacted by the election’s results. On the toolkit’s web page, visitors can: Register to vote Discover what’s on the ballot Find information about voting in each state Check on voter registration status Pledge to vote To view the Electoral Advocacy Toolkit, visit NAEYC’s America for Early Ed website. Other Resources America for Early Education Nonpartisan Electoral Advocacy has also provided some resources to assist with Get Out the Vote efforts. These include: Nonpartisan Electoral Advocacy for ECE Programs and Organizations: Do’s and Don’ts GOTV Activities for ECE Programs and Organizations Hosting a Candidate Forum on Child Care and Early Learning: Sample Facilitator Questions Town Hall Signs and Questions Oct. 21 is the last day to register to vote before the election. You can register to vote, update registration and find information about voting on the state’s webpage. Applications for a mail-in or absentee ballot must be received by your county election office by Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. A postmark by 8 p.m. on that date is not sufficient.
NAEYC Encourages Early Childhood Education Experts to Become Subject Matter Experts 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). Learn More 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.
July 16, 2024 NAEYC Report Highlights Low Compensation Impact on Early Childhood Education The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has released a report that highlights the inadequate and inequitable compensation in early childhood education that affects educators, children, families, businesses, and the economy. Learn More NAEYC’s “Compensation Means More Than Wages” argues that low compensation drives educators away from the field and keeps others from entering it. Additionally, it undermines quality and creates staffing crises that limit the supply of child care that families and businesses need. The report discusses how in recent years, effective efforts have focused not only on increasing wages, but also on expanding access to benefits, especially for educators in child care centers and family child care homes. These efforts align with needs expressed by early childhood educators, such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid leave. The report also cited the importance of a more expansive understanding of benefits, including loan forgiveness and scholarships, housing, and child care assistance. NAEYC’s report cited several reasons why access to benefits is significant for early childhood educators. It said that benefits: Support early childhood educator well-being and program quality Promote gender and racial equity Support recruitment and retention of early childhood educators Bring in additional funding sources to support educators For more information, read the NAEYC’s report.
April 3, 2024 Week of the Young Child: Self Care for Superheroes The National Association for the Education of Young Children is inviting early child care professionals to attend a webinar in April on self-care strategies for early childhood education providers. The webinar is hosted by Walden University. Learn More Week of the Young Child: Self Care for Superheroes will explore strategies to address early childhood providers’ numerous challenges. The three core concepts are mindfulness, thought awareness, and self-compassion. Attendees will gain tools to navigate the current teaching terrain. The webinar’s objectives are to: Harness mindfulness to cultivate presence and reduce stress from being overwhelmed in daily teaching routines Enhance the ability to identify and respond to thought patterns that impact interactions with children and colleagues Embrace self-compassion practices to sustain passion and energy while nurturing young minds The webinar’s speaker is Sally Arnold, RN, BSN, MA, a registered nurse with a master’s in psychology and extensive mindfulness training. More Details The webinar will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 10. Registration for the event is now open.
February 5, 2024 NAEYC 2024 Public Policy Forum In partnership with our friends at the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, NAEYC has crafted an agenda designed to engage, educate, support, empower, and inspire you, with opportunities for engaging chats, live Q&A, and extensive, exceptional content. Event Details Sunday, February 25 | 1 – 5 p.m. Finding My People: Educators Share Their Journeys as Advocates and Leaders How to Talk to Today’s Congress: A Conversation with National Policy Leaders and Current Hill Staffers Making Progress and Creating Momentum: Celebrating and Discussing ECE State Policy Wins PLUS! Concurrent sessions will include updates on the Unifying Framework and work from the Commission on Professional Excellence; a deep-dive on credit for prior learning; and strategies for advocates and educators navigating harmful deregulatory efforts. Monday, February 26 | 1 – 5 p.m. Conversations on the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs, featuring educators and leaders, as well as: Katie Hamm, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Early Childhood Development, Department of Health and Human Services; Swati Adarkar, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Education, Department of Education; and Glenna Wright-Gallo, Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education Make A Circle: Sneak Peak Clips of the Upcoming Film on the ECE Workforce, and Discussion with Filmmakers and Participants Plus! Concurrent sessions will include an overview of the Administration’s Executive Order on care; a deep-dive on what educators and advocates need to know about ACF’s proposed child care regulations; and an exploration of opportunities in the implementation of the CHIPS Act child care requirements. Registration closes Sunday, February 18, so do not wait, register today! More Details Access to a library of timely and relevant resources, talking points, opportunities to share your stories, and many additional recordings, presentations, and webinars designed to enhance your knowledge and strengthen your individual and collective advocacy comes with registration. Build on your expertise and connections to join your state teams for Congressional meetings—virtual, in-district, and on the Hill! For more information and updates, visit www.naeyc.org/policy-forum.
NAEYC 2024 Public Policy Forum In partnership with our friends at the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, NAEYC has crafted an agenda designed to engage, educate, support, empower, and inspire you, with opportunities for engaging chats, live Q&A, and extensive, exceptional content. Event Details Sunday, February 25 | 1 – 5 p.m. Finding My People: Educators Share Their Journeys as Advocates and Leaders How to Talk to Today’s Congress: A Conversation with National Policy Leaders and Current Hill Staffers Making Progress and Creating Momentum: Celebrating and Discussing ECE State Policy Wins PLUS! Concurrent sessions will include updates on the Unifying Framework and work from the Commission on Professional Excellence; a deep-dive on credit for prior learning; and strategies for advocates and educators navigating harmful deregulatory efforts. Monday, February 26 | 1 – 5 p.m. Conversations on the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs, featuring educators and leaders, as well as: Katie Hamm, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Early Childhood Development, Department of Health and Human Services; Swati Adarkar, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Education, Department of Education; and Glenna Wright-Gallo, Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education Make A Circle: Sneak Peak Clips of the Upcoming Film on the ECE Workforce, and Discussion with Filmmakers and Participants Plus! Concurrent sessions will include an overview of the Administration’s Executive Order on care; a deep-dive on what educators and advocates need to know about ACF’s proposed child care regulations; and an exploration of opportunities in the implementation of the CHIPS Act child care requirements. Registration closes Sunday, February 18, so do not wait, register today! More Details Access to a library of timely and relevant resources, talking points, opportunities to share your stories, and many additional recordings, presentations, and webinars designed to enhance your knowledge and strengthen your individual and collective advocacy comes with registration. Build on your expertise and connections to join your state teams for Congressional meetings—virtual, in-district, and on the Hill! For more information and updates, visit www.naeyc.org/policy-forum.
June 20, 2023 NAEYC Requesting Stories of Teacher Appreciation The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is asking parents and caregivers to share stories that celebrate the powerful relationships between families and their child care providers with them. NAEYC is collecting these stories to highlight early childhood teacher appreciation. Story Submission Details Stories should be submitted by parents or caregivers of young children and should discuss: an amazing experience they’ve had with their child’s early childhood educator a fond memory of an early childhood educator helping them navigate a difficult conversation with their child any moment that an early childhood educator helped them and their family through a challenging moment other related experiences Submit a Story Interested individuals must submit stories using the online Story Submission Form on the NAEYC website. Learn More Learn more on the NAEYC website or call 202-232-8777 with questions. Find a list of phone extensions on the NAEYC Contact Us page.
April 5, 2023 NAEYC Sponsoring Week of the Young Child Sweepstakes The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is sponsoring a Week of the Young Child (WOYC) Sweepstakes. Week of the Young Child is the first week of April, and NAEYC is offering prizes to seven lucky parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators who participate in the sweepstakes, which runs March 31 through April 14. WOYC Sweepstake Prizes Three people will win a free one-year Entry Level Membership ($30 value) Two people will win a free NAEYC Book Bundle ($70 estimated value) Two people will win a free module of Each and Every Child Training ($120 estimated value) Participate All parents, caregivers, and educators are invited to participate in the sweepstakes. To participate, simply visit the NAEYC website and complete the participation form. Learn More To learn more, visit the NAEYC website.
March 29, 2023 NAEYC Issues Call for Papers on Identity and Early Childhood Education The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recently issued a Call for Papers for the fall 2023 issue of their online journal, “Voices of Practitioners.” Themed, “Reflecting on Our Own Identities in Early Childhood Education,” NAEYC seeks stories that explore how early childhood professionals’ reflections on their own identities (specifically social identities) impact their work with young children. Paper proposals are due by Friday, April 7. About Voices of Practitioners “Voices of Practitioners: Teacher Research in Early Childhood Education” is an online, peer-reviewed journal in which teachers provide a critical perspective on their roles in children’s development and learning. Published by NAEYC, it disseminates early childhood teachers’ systematic study of an aspect of their own classroom practice. Call for Papers Social Identities and Early Childhood Education The concept of identity is complex and shaped by individual characteristics; family dynamics; historical factors; and social, cultural, and political contexts. Social identity refers to the group categories that each society creates and defines. These categories include race, family structure, language, gender, religion, and economic class. Reflecting on how these identities intersect and influence practice can help early childhood educators understand and challenge how systems of oppression and privilege operate in early childhood settings. Considerations for Writing About Social Identity NAEYC is interested in receiving submissions that explore a wide range of topics, including but not limited to: how your social identities have informed your understanding of the children and families you work with how your social identities have influenced your teaching practices and classroom dynamics the role of self-reflection and professional development in understanding and addressing how your social identities impact your teaching Submission Guidelines Who can submit a paper proposal? teachers and administrators at any stage in their career working with young children aged birth to 8 years early childhood educators with various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives teacher educators, particularly those working with associate degree students What should paper proposals include? Proposals should be 500-750 words in length and should include the following features: an idea for a personal narrative essay that discusses identity and practice, relative to the broader issues of equity and social justice a statement of the challenge or opportunity for reform the paper intends to address a brief contextual overview of the submitter’s program (e.g., geography, the population of children and families served, etc.) a key anecdote or descriptive narrative that captures the heart of the submitter’s message bullet points of two to three lessons the submitter has learned from their experience and their reflections about it How do interested educators submit? Interested educators should email their completed proposal to editorial@naeyc.org. Please indicate in the subject line that it is a submission for “Voices of Practitioners” Fall 2023. Proposals are due by April 7. Learn More To learn more, read the full submission guidelines or visit the NAEYC “Voices of Practitioners” webpage.
March 8, 2023 Trying Together Offering MOYC Opportunities Trying Together is offering families, community members, and child care providers a number of opportunities to celebrate Month of the Young Child. MOYC-in-a-Box Trying Together is offering child care programs in Allegheny County the opportunity to receive Month of the Young Child (MOYC) materials. Programs may request a mailed box of materials related to Month of the Young Child including: Posters to display at their program location or to give to local businesses to promote the importance of child care in the community Buttons for staff and families to wear during the month of April Printed materials and resources from Trying Together and ELRC Region 5 A copy of this year’s PA One Book, “Mel Fell” by Corey R. Tabor Materials will be shipped by the end of March, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Request your MOYC box. Month of the Young Child Events MOYC Resource Open House Friday, April 7 The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, 7219 Kelly St., Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Details to come Student Affiliate Dinner Wednesday, April 12 | 5 – 8:30 p.m. Seton Hill University, Cecilian Hall Administration Building (2nd Floor), 1 Seton Hill Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 Register Homewood Block Party Saturday, April 15 | 12 – 4 p.m. The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, 7219 Kelly St., Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Pre-registration not required Annual Celebration Dinner Thursday, April 27 | 6 – 8:30 p.m. Acrisure Stadium, UPMC Club, 100 Art Rooney Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Register About Month of the Young Child First established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 1971, the Week of the Young Child is an opportunity to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.Over the years, with growing interest and focus, Trying Together designated the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC). In April 2023, we will offer opportunities to elevate and celebrate early childhood by providing resources, hosting, co-hosting, and participating in child and caregiver -focused events, and working with early learning programs to share MOYC materials and experiences. Learn More To learn more about Month of the Young Child, visit Trying Together’s Month of the Young Child webpage.
