About Us
VAAEYC’s Purpose
The purpose of our organization is to serve, support, and advocate for all who care for and educate young children. VAAEYC:
- Serves as a community and connection point for early childhood educators. Here educators can find friends and colleagues that support them in their professional journey.
- Promotes the professional growth of persons working with young children by connecting educators and care givers to professional development opportunities.
- Supports grassroots advocacy to improve the availability and quality of early childhood education and to elevate the profession.
- Connects early childhood educators to valuable resources – from scholarship opportunities, to professional development, state agencies, and the Virginia Department of Education.
- Hosts an Annual Conference and Meeting to bring together educators from across the state to earn valuable CEU, network, collaborate, and grow personally and professionally.
Who is VAAEYC?
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 Governance
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.
Circles
VAAEYC serves its community through volunteer-led groups that are called Circles. Circles function much like committees to carry out the organizations objectives.These are the Circles:
Conference Circle | Plans the VAAEYC Annual Conference
Lead: Belinda Ryberg, Representative: Joan Smith
Equity and Anti-Racism Circle | Reviews issues regarding equity and biases in Early Childhood Education. Works with the Public Policy and Advocacy Circle to ensure issues are addressed.
Lead: Shemik Sellars
Membership and Communication Circle | Promotes membership in SECA, NAEYC, and VAAEYC. Reviews membership benefits to ensure needs are met, and communicates regularly with membership.
Lead: Beth Anderson, Representative: Sarah Maynard
Professional Development and Quality Circle | Supports members with opportunities related to training, accreditation, scholarships and resources relevant to your professional development.
Lead: Kim Thomason, Representative: Susan Hill
Public Policy and Advocacy Circle | Keep members informed of State and Federal legislative issues related to Early Childhood Education and Early Care. Coordinates VAAEYC attendance at the NAEYC Public Policy Forum and coordinates the VAAEYC Capitol Steps.
Lead: Crystal Howser, Representative: Lisa Plotkin
Lead for Chapter Support | Not a circle, but a role that helps support VAAEYC chapters in meeting requirements and to grow.
Lead: Marginia Grow
Circles meet no more than once a month by Zoom and are open to any VAAEYC Member hoping to get more involved. We know you are all busy and are grateful for any involvement.
Are you interested in joining one of these great Circles? Let us know by email HERE.