About Us

The purpose of our organization is to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of all young children and to work with all groups serving the interest and well being of children in Virginia. Some of the particular concerns of vaaeyc are:

• To promote the professional growth of persons working with young children.
• To improve the availability and quality of developmental and educational services and resources for young children.
• To advocate for and promote public policy decisions which improve the quality of life for young children and their families.
• To support, disseminate, and utilize research related to the well being and education of young children.

The Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (VAAEYC) has its roots in the Virginia Council on Social Work. Efforts began in 1955 to bring together child care personnel and others interested in preschool children. In 1956, 60 individuals attended a Child Care Preschool Institute in Roanoke, VA. A year later, more than 200 advocates met, adopted a constitution, and selected the name — Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education.

In 1969, VAAEYC affiliated with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). In 1972, vaaeyc affiliated with the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA).

VAAEYC is governed by a Board of Directors made of it’s members. VAAEYC uses the Sociocratic method of governance to ensure that everyone has a voice.