National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

This month, we are re-sharing information about the new Early Learning Quality Assessment and Accreditation System that will launch in March 2025. Check out the resources we have available to support the transition to the new system! https://lnkd.in/gPU5AKwA

Learn how to involve your young child in the kitchen this holiday season with ease! Check out our 10 tips we use in the classroom and at home when cooking with toddlers. For guidance, check out our latest blog, "Your Guide to a Purposeful Holiday Season: A Collection of NAEYC Resources to Support Early Childhood Educators and Families." https://lnkd.in/gzMd-yPm

The early care and education 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. Read more about the insurance options available at https://lnkd.in/gWp26JN

“Every child deserves a champion.” That sentiment informs the work of Christie Phelps, our featured member for the 2024 Winter Issue of Young Children! Christie owns and directs three child care homes in Indianapolis, serving around 40 children daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Learn more about Christie here: https://lnkd.in/gH79pnSF

This September, Congress passed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through December 20th and avoid a government shutdown. With Congress back in session this month, members have resumed budget negotiations and are debating whether to pass a full-year spending deal for Fiscal Year 2025, or another continuing resolution into the new year. At stake in these debates is critical funding for key child care and early learning programs like the Child Care and Development Block Grant, Head Start, and IDEA Preschool Special Education and Early Intervention, as well as supplemental disaster relief funding in response to the devastation left behind by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Early educators, families and young children need Congress to prioritize robust funding for child care and early learning, which is why NAEYC is urging Congress to pass an FY25 spending package that includes funding levels for key child care programs at least at the bipartisan levels passed out of the Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations subcommittee this summer. 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

Meet Amy Scrinzi, co-editor of our new book Focus on Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Equitable and Joyful Learning in Kindergarten. In this book, Amy shares her own enthusiasm and knowledge as well as insightful strategies and practical guidance from like-minded kindergarten educators to advance quality early education. You can learn more about Amy and purchase the book via the link in our bio!

Whether you have tons of advocacy experience, or none at all, NAEYC's Public Policy Forum is THE place for you to sharpen your skills and help us move a nonpartisan agenda in support of young children and the early childhood education profession! As a Public Policy Forum participant, you’ll have the opportunity to: • Be part of a powerful team working to advance federal and state early childhood policy • Engage with national and state policy leaders and fellow advocates on the most important, timely, and relevant ECE issues • Get the resources and experiences you need to be an informed and effective advocate • Meet with your Congressional offices Learn more about the event and how to register at https://lnkd.in/dtTx-JuG

You don’t need a fancy kit to get started with STEM. You can use commonly found materials such as cardboard, string, and tape. In our latest blog, "Your Guide to a Purposeful Holiday Season: A Collection of NAEYC Resources to Support Early Childhood Educators and Families," you'll find creative ideas and affordable STEM materials perfect for at-home making and tinkering. https://lnkd.in/gzMd-yPm

Ready...set...tag! 🎉

There are many ways generative AI could be used in educational settings, each with potential benefits and risks. In the latest post on NAEYC's Blog, see how one group of educators explored using an AI-powered tool, ChatGPT for a specific purpose—to translate school communications into families’ home languages. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ezG5V5py