NAEYC

The name of the organization is the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC) which was founded in 1926. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of more than 300 state and local Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations. NAEYC is an organization in which inspires and motivates early childhood educators to be passionate about teaching and continuing to learn. Being a member of the NAEYC organization allows professionals to gain content, discount on books, discount at conferences, build a network, work at becoming a leader and change the world.

An issue that NAEYC addresses is DAP - Developmentally appropriate practice. Developmentally appropriate practice is an approach to teaching grounded both in the research on how young children develop and learn and in what is known about effective early education. Its framework is designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development. (NAEYC, 2012) DAP involves teachers meeting young children where they are (by stage of development), both as individuals and as part of a group; and helping each child meet challenging and achievable learning goals. (NAEYC, 2012) DAP is the foundation for all of NAEYC’s work. NAEYC offers publications, different training programs, conferences, and accreditation of child care programs and much more.

I am excited to continue to explore the NAEYC program - there is so much more to learn and read which will help me grow as a professional of the early childhood field.

 http://www.naeyc.org/