Dear NCAEYC Members and Friends,
Holiday greetings! We thank each of you for your continued support and engagement in North Carolina’s largest and oldest membership association for early childhood professionals serving children birth through age eight and their families. Our collective commitment to excellence in our field connects us through shared values, resources and relationships that foster well-being, professionalism and high quality practice. These connections strengthen our voice as advocates on behalf of children, families and our profession.
2017 has been a year of transition and growth for NAEYC and for us as a state affiliate. Changes in our Brand, Membership and Organizational Structure are designed to create innovative approaches to serving members through engaging, relevant and meaningful experiences. NCAEYC’s Board of Directors and staff are especially grateful to the Local Affiliate and Chapter leaders across our state who have thoughtfully and earnestly engaged in a shift in our leadership model. Their leadership roles have shifted from serving in an affiliate and chapter structure to forging an innovative, connected leadership structure designed to increase connections, impact and opportunities.
2018 holds great potential for members, leaders, our organization, and our field! Staff, Board and Local Leaders are busy planning events, activities and resources to support you in your work of caring for and educating young children and engaging their families. With a renewed emphasis on being an HPIO (High Performing Inclusive Organization), we are poised to be even more intentional in our work, relationships and resources. NCAEYC is gearing up to get immersed in “Power to the Profession,” a national collaboration led by NAEYC to define the early childhood profession by establishing a unifying framework for career pathways, knowledge, competencies, qualifications, standards, and compensation. Watch for exciting details to learn more and get engaged in the new year!
In the new year, members will receive updates about our new structure and an array of member opportunities that NCAEYC has named “DAPA.” Building upon the concepts of DAP for children, DAPA reflects NCAEYC’s approach to engaging and serving members based upon a framework we have created of Developmentally Appropriate Practice for Adults. Our new structure is two-fold: connecting us across experience levels so we can learn from and be inspired by each other and tailoring resources and opportunities to meet the developmental interests and needs of those new to the field, those who have been practicing for a number of years, and those who have dedicated their careers to building our field.
As 2017 comes to a close, we are filled with gratitude and optimism. As 2018 approaches, we are filled with excitement as we prepare to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of our organization! Founded in 1953 as the North Carolina Kindergarten Association, then becoming the state affiliate for NAEYC in the 1970’s, NCAEYC is honored to build upon a proud legacy as we look towards a bright future. It’s a great time to be a member! And The Gift of Membership makes the perfect holiday, appreciation or graduate gift. Learn more about gift memberships here. And please make plans to join us at the Raleigh Convention Center September 13-15 for NCAEYC’s 65th Anniversary Conference with Dr. Becky Bailey as our Keynote Speaker—it is sure to be an extraordinary time of professional development, fellowship, and inspiration.
May the joys of the holiday season fill your hearts, homes and workplaces with peace, happiness and well-being. On behalf of the NCAEYC Board of Directors and staff, we wish you well for a prosperous and promising New Year!
Sincerely,
Lorie Barnes
NCAEYC Executive Director