National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

This week the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing on disaster relief funding for communities impacted by recent natural disasters like hurricanes Helene and Milton. We thank Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins for holding this hearing and applaud Senator Baldwin as Chair of the LHHS subcommittee for uplifting the need to include support for child care programs in a disaster relief package. During the hearing we heard from leaders about the impact of natural disasters on small businesses and rural communities. Child care programs are largely made up of small businesses, many of which were at risk of closing their doors prior to recent natural disasters and will need support as they rebuild their centers and homes to provide crucial care and education to their children and families in their communities. In rural communities affected by child care deserts, the loss of existing child care due to natural disasters will make matters worse for families and early childhood educators in those communities. Join us in urging members of Congress to prioritize robust funding for key child care and early learning programs in FY25 appropriations to meet the needs of children, families, and educators, and to specifically target disaster supplemental funding to reach child care programs. Take Action! https://lnkd.in/gq-uRqr4

As the weather starts to get colder, what are some of your favorite ways to inspire fall/winter learning experiences?

Let us know! ⬇️

NAEYC and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) are partnering on a series of reports and webinars to support ECE higher education programs and policymakers (within higher education systems and in state legislatures) in implementing and expanding ECE credit for prior learning opportunities. Join us for the first webinar on November 21 at 3PM EST to explore the CPL landscape in ECE. We are excited to have faculty from institutions of higher education join us to share how they are using CPL to increase access to higher education for early childhood educators seeking ECE degrees. Register here: https://lnkd.in/grKnaEA6

Ella Jenkins brought joy, song, and dance into early childhood classrooms and across the world. Often called “ the First Lady of children’s music, she was a strong presence at NAEYC conferences over the years. Elia passed away earlier in November. Below we share an interview with Elia from 2014 on her 90th birthday. https://lnkd.in/guUt39RT

Child care in Native communities serves as a bridge to culture, history, and traditions through early education. Sarah’s work with the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria creates culturally sensitive programs and advocates for Native children, empowering future generations with pride and resilience. Read more about Sarah and other Native early childhood leaders in our latest blog, "Finding Our People: Educators Share Their Advocacy and Leadership Journeys." https://lnkd.in/gZkHxYy6

In Native communities, leaders like Norman Running Jr. know that child care is a vital connection to culture and a pathway to honoring history, values, and traditions through early education. Norman approaches his work with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Child Care Services program through the lens of culture, traditions, and ancestral wisdom, fostering identity and belonging among Native children and families. His commitment integrates cultural teachings, family involvement, and safe, supportive spaces to empower the next generation. Read more about Norman and other Native American early childhood leaders in our latest blog, "Finding Our People: Educators Share Their Advocacy and Leadership Journeys." https://lnkd.in/gZkHxYy6

Do you need extra time to review the drafts of NAEYC's foundational position statements, the Code of Ethical Conduct and the Early Childhood Program Standards? The public comment period for the revision of NAEYC's foundational position statements has been EXTENDED until December 15! We invite you to join the revision process by looking through the drafts and sharing your thoughts and perspectives. Read more about the position statements, watch the informational session, and explore the ways you can provide feedback on our website: https://lnkd.in/gYZ66Tfp

The early care and education (ECE) workforce deserves affordable and accessible health care. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA, more people qualify for help purchasing quality health coverage. If you have looked for health coverage before, it is worth a second look. Any early care and education workers who do not receive coverage through their jobs, or those who may have lost health care coverage, are eligible. The Marketplace Open Enrollment at HealthCare.gov runs through January 15. Staying healthy is important for the kids who depend on you so enroll today at https://lnkd.in/gWp26JN

NAEYC and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) are partnering on a series of reports and webinars to support ECE higher education programs and policymakers (within higher education systems and in state legislatures) in implementing and expanding ECE credit for prior learning opportunities. Join us for the first webinar on November 21 at 3PM EST to explore the CPL landscape in ECE. We are excited to have faculty from institutions of higher education join us to share how they are using CPL to increase access to higher education for early childhood educators seeking ECE degrees. Register here: https://lnkd.in/grKnaEA6