Daycare Provider Organizations
Professional Associations for Preschool Teachers
The benefits of joining three of the largest professional associations for daycare providers and preschool teachers.
Joining a professional organization is one of the best moves a daycare provider or preschool teacher can make. In terms of professional development, many associations provide a wealth of information and resources pertinent to early childhood education and child development. Many associations provide, with membership, access to their forums and publications, and discounts to parenting or child development conferences and workshops.
Professional organizations also provide an excellent means of networking with other child care and preschool professionals and exchanging ideas. Professional organizations also are a great opportunity to exercise leadership. Becoming a board member or volunteering within your local chapter is a great way to start.
Daycare providers, child care providers, and preschool teachers can begin by browsing some organizations online that are specifically for those involved in the education and care of young children. Below are three of the largest of these associations:
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the largest nonprofit association in the United States. The NAEYC's focus is to “serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources” [NAEYC Bylaws, Article I., Section 1.1]. The NAEYC holds an accreditation system by which early childhood education programs can voluntarily measure themselves in terms of educational standards, as well as health and safety standards. Membership includes six months of their publication Young Children.
Association for Childhood Education International
The Association for Childhood Education International’s mission is to promote the optimal education of children from birth to the age of 8 globally. Their Journals and newsletters include Child Education, Journal of Research in Childhood Education, and Professional Focus Quarterly. Membership in this association provides the benefit of networking and mentoring by other professionals globally. There are also many valuable discounts included with membership such as hotel and car rental rate reductions.
Canadian Association for Young Children
The Canadian Association for Young Children prides itself on being the sole national association which focuses on the well being of children from birth to age nine in three settings: at home, in preschool, and at school. The CAYC is concerned with vital issues in early childhood education, professional development, and developmentally appropriate programs and practices. Membership includes two issues of Canadian Children as well as provincial newsletters and a variety of conference discounts.
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