What is the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)?

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional organization for early childhood education professionals in the United States. Founded in 1926, NAEYC is dedicated to advancing the quality of early childhood education and promoting the rights of young children.

As the largest professional organization for early childhood educators in the country, NAEYC serves a critical role in the field of early childhood education. The organization provides resources and support for early childhood educators, including professional development opportunities, publications, and advocacy efforts. It also sets professional standards for early childhood education and offers accreditation for early childhood programs that meet those standards.

NAEYC's mission is to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. The organization advocates for policies and practices that support early childhood education, and it works to ensure that all young children have access to high-quality early learning experiences.

One of the key ways that NAEYC supports early childhood educators is through professional development opportunities. The organization offers a wide range of professional development options, including online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops and conferences. These professional development opportunities provide early childhood educators with the knowledge and skills they need to support the learning and development of young children.

In addition to professional development opportunities, NAEYC also provides a range of resources for early childhood educators. This includes publications, such as books, journals, and newsletters, that provide information on the latest research and best practices in early childhood education. NAEYC also offers a range of online resources, such as articles, videos, and podcasts, that provide information on a variety of topics related to early childhood education.

NAEYC is also committed to advocating for policies and practices that support early childhood education. The organization works with policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels to promote policies and practices that support young children and their families. This includes advocating for policies that support the development and implementation of high-quality early childhood programs, and for policies that support the professional development of early childhood educators.

One of the key ways that NAEYC promotes high-quality early childhood education is through its accreditation program. NAEYC offers accreditation for early childhood programs that meet its professional standards for early childhood education. These standards reflect the latest research and best practices in the field, and they provide a framework for high-quality early childhood programs. Programs that are accredited by NAEYC have demonstrated their commitment to providing high-quality early learning experiences for young children.

NAEYC is an important resource for early childhood education professionals who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research in the field. The organization offers a wide range of resources and support, including professional development opportunities, publications, and advocacy efforts. By promoting high-quality early childhood education, NAEYC is helping to ensure that all young children have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.