The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

This Pride Month and every month, we recognize the importance of creating early learning environments where every child and family feels welcomed, respected, and valued.

Belonging is foundational to children's learning, development, and well-being. Early childhood educators help children experience the joy of being part of a caring community and create spaces where everyone can feel they belong.

Here's to continuing that work—today and every day. 🌈

NAEYC Governing Board President Tonia Durden joins host Calvin E. Moore, Jr. on the Council Table Podcast for a conversation on what it would take to build the future of early childhood education if resources were not the barrier.

Tonia reflects on the systems that shape the field, the realities of the workforce, and the possibilities that emerge when children, educators, and communities are truly centered in decision-making.

This is a thoughtful, strategic conversation about the future of the field—and whom it is designed to serve.

🎧 Listen to hear Tonia’s perspective on leadership in early childhood education.

"My role as an infant teacher is just as important as your role as a chemistry teacher."

Dr. Tonia Durden, NAEYC board president, said that on tomorrow's Council Table season finale.

She has spent her career making this case in classrooms, in research, and now at the national level. Tomorrow, she brings it to the Council Table.

What would actually change in your program or community if early childhood educators were compensated like K-12 teachers? Tell us in the comments.

Many of us can trace our path in early childhood education back to someone who inspired us.

For Anthony Flores, it was his grandmother.

What began as helping in her classroom as a child grew into a lifelong passion for supporting young children, families, and educators. Years later, he even had the opportunity to teach alongside her—a full-circle moment that helped shape the educator he is today.

Anthony's story is a beautiful reminder of the joy, belonging, and relationships that often lead us into this work.

✨ Read his reflection, A Legacy of Teaching: Following in My Grandmother's Footsteps, and then tell us: Who inspired your journey in early childhood education?
🔗 https://bit.ly/43LbMEV

A father at pick-up. A grandfather offering quiet patience. A stepfather, uncle, mentor, educator, or teacher who helps a child feel safe, capable, and deeply loved.

In early childhood, relationships are the foundation of learning and development. Through everyday moments of care and connection, children build a sense of belonging, identity, and trust in the world around them.

At NAEYC, we recognize that the adults in children’s lives—at home, in early learning settings, and in their communities—help shape how children understand themselves and others.

This Father’s Day, we honor fathers and father figures whose presence nurtures confidence, curiosity, resilience, and joy in young children, and whose wisdom helps shape the generations that follow.

As we celebrate 100 years of NAEYC, we recognize that building a more equitable future for young children means learning from history and honoring the communities that continue to shape it.

This Juneteenth, we reflect on the meaning of freedom, celebrate Black joy and resilience, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a future where every child, family, and educator belongs and thrives.

Inclusive early learning depends on strong educational supports for children with disabilities.

Our partners at the Council for Exceptional Children have an action alert that you can join in urging Congress to keep special education in the Department of Education and protect IDEA’s role in education.

Take action today: https://exceptionalchildren.org/lac?vvsrc=/Campaigns/121668/Respond

Early childhood educators do far more than teach.

Every day, they help families navigate complex systems and connect to critical resources like food, housing, healthcare, mental health services, and community support. They often stand at the intersection of policy, practice, and people—advocating for children while supporting the adults who care for them.

In our latest episode of Small Talk: Big Ideas About Little Learners, NAEYC's Alissa Mwenelupembe sits down with former NAEYC Governing Board President and Executive Director Jerlean Daniel and DC Public Schools kindergarten teacher Rahsh*ta Lowe-Watson for a powerful conversation about supporting families facing challenges to meet their basic needs and the critical role early childhood educators play in helping children and families thrive.

What happens when educators become the bridge between families and essential services? And what can we learn from the professionals doing this work every day?

Listen to the full episode today and discover why supporting families is foundational to supporting children.

🎧 : https://www.naeyc.org/smalltalk/season-1/episode-4

Every day, early childhood educators see how policy decisions show up in real life.

They see the effects of workforce shortages, compensation challenges, and access to early learning opportunities. They understand what children, families, and programs need to thrive because they experience those realities firsthand.

That's why educator voices matter.

This summer, NAEYC's Value. Voice. Vote. campaign is focused on helping educators engage in civic life and helping candidates and elected officials better understand the issues affecting the early childhood profession. When educators share their experiences, they help bring real-world perspectives to important conversations about the future of early childhood education.

Explore resources, tools, and opportunities to get involved: https://bit.ly/4a6zeQw

Birthday mail makes our centennial year even sweeter!🎂

Reading these messages from PennAEYC Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children reminds us that NAEYC's story has always been a shared one—built by generations of educators, advocates, families, and supporters working together on behalf of young children.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone. Here's to honoring our shared legacy and continuing to shape the future of early childhood education.

Join the celebration! Submit your reflections today NAEYC.org/centennial!