Early Education Organizations

Children’s first education comes from their parents, who serve as their “first teachers.” Effective early learning organizations encourage parental involvement. They provide opportunities for parents to attend parent workshops and participate in educational events.

Educators can also learn from other professionals in the field through networking activities. In addition, effective organizations offer continuing education programs to keep educators up to date with the latest research in child development.

NAEYC

Founded in 1926, NAEYC is the most prominent organization supporting and advocating for high quality early learning and child care. It brings together teachers, administrators, policy makers, researchers, family advocates, and others with a common interest in young children and their families.

They work to improve the quality of education and child care for children birth through age eight by setting standards, providing training opportunities, and promoting professional development. They also advocate for public policies that support a comprehensive system of high-quality early childhood education.

They promote inclusive environments that are respectful of all individuals and groups, including differences in race, ethnicity, language, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and ability. They also uphold the ideals and principles of NAEYC’s Code of Ethics.

ACEI

ACEI promotes innovative solutions to education challenges and inspires action that creates positive, sustainable futures for young children. They connect early childhood practice, policy, and research to advance a diverse and dynamic profession.

This event is an opportunity to learn from educators who are embracing inclusive practices to ensure that all children have access to high quality educational experiences and opportunities. It will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Newport News, Virginia.

GLSEN is dedicated to ensuring safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. They strive to build a world where difference is celebrated for the positive impact it has on society. GLSEN is an international nonprofit organization. It was founded in 1990. It is the largest non-profit, national, student-led organization in the United States.

NICHD

NICHD leads research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, promote child and adolescent health, and optimize abilities for all. They are currently focusing on their 60th anniversary, with events and activities spanning their missions of pregnancy, maternal health, child and adolescent health, intellectual disability, medical rehabilitation, and genetics.

NICHD researchers are investigating the effects of different types of child care on children’s development. They are also working to answer questions about child care characteristics, such as age of entry into child care, quality of child care, and family structure. They are evaluating the impact of various types of reading instruction on children’s reading skills and achievement. They are also investigating how the brain develops through a longitudinal study of adolescents. They are using brain imaging to examine the impact of adolescent brain cognitive development.

ARNEC

ARNEC is a global network of organizations and individuals who are committed to improving the quality of education through research, assessment and evaluation. ARNEC’s mission is to consolidate a community of researchers, educators and policy-makers who specialize in education quality assessment. The organization also serves as a platform for creating, discussing and disseminating best practices in education quality assessment.

ARNEC performs connecting, leveraging and knowledge translation roles to strengthen partnerships for holistic and inclusive ECD. ARNEC’s activities include E-News Flash – a monthly email that contains ECD news from around the region sent in by members and ARNEC updates, upcoming events and new ECD resources. ARNEC Connections – an annual publication featuring research summaries, field experiences and unique initiatives that benefit ECD professionals. ARNEC Calendars – annual calendars portraying winning photos from the ARNEC Photo Contest.

ChildFund International

Founded in 1938 and formerly known as Christian Children’s Fund, ChildFund International works with communities to transform them into places where children can thrive. Their programs focus on education, economic development and emergency response. ChildFund’s mission is to help deprived, excluded and vulnerable children become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting change to their communities.

ChildFund’s programs are financed by individual sponsorship donations and grants. They partner with local partners to provide educational, economic and health services, including micro-enterprise projects, nutrition, water, sanitation and health care, shelter, life skills, emergency relief and psychosocial interventions.

They are also working with Venture2Impact to offer skills-based volunteering opportunities to corporate volunteers. This is an exciting project that will allow volunteers to have a hands-on experience in the communities they serve.

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