Leadership

Renewing our Commitment

Early learning professionals and the field continue to face difficult challenges.  Since WAEYC is committed to consistently and boldly supporting quality early learning, we spent time looking at how our services support early learning professionals in the current environment.  And we focused on advancing, renewing and strengthening leadership among Washington early learning professionals.

We are strengthening our services, making some structural and staffing changes, and inspiring and solidifying key alliances with our organizational partners.  We continue to be committed to transparency and engagement as we proceed with this effort. You may email questions to WAEYC  or call (253) 854-2565 x10.

Expressing Our Leadership

WAEYC is a leader in Washington and among other state affiliates.  WAEYC President Brenda Boyd serves on NAEYC´s National Dialogue Advisory Group. WAEYC convened a team from Washington to attend NAEYC's State Professional Development Leadership Team Work Day June 11, 2011 in Rhode Island.  At NAEYC's Professional Development Institute, WAEYC leaders also were panelists in presenting on AEYC affiliate board best practices.  

WAEYC member Nancy Gerber was featured in the February/March 2011 issue of Teaching Young Children. Nancy has been a family child care provider for 35 years and currently runs the Little House for Little People at her home in Spokane Valley. Click here to read Nancy's interview. Pierce County AEYC´s Leadership Academy was also featured in May's issue of Young Children as a success story! Click here to read the article.

Focusing This Effort

Our Theory of Action shows what WAEYC is doing to meet our customers´ needs.  Our three-year WAEYC Strategic Plan describes the objectives and actions necessary to bring about our Theory of Action.  Other navigational tools are revised bylaws, three-year committee plans, and the commitment and enthusiasm from members, Affiliate Council, Governing Board, committees and staff to work and learn together on our journey forward.

Centering on Our Members

In partnership with our local affiliate chapters and NAEYC, WAEYC is exploring how we can consistently and equitably provide member services and benefits across the state.  Growing Connections are free webinars for WAEYC members and affiliate leaders.  Topics include advocating with state legislators, using social media, and planning your professional development.  In May 2011, WAEYC received a grant from Mind in the Making to create a virtual learning community to promote children's learning and well-being across the birth through eight continuum!

By September 2011, the board will identify a new organizational structure to better meet members´ needs.   The current structure is state affiliate with local affiliate chapters.  The options being considered are 1) state affiliate with local affiliate chapters plus state chapters, and 2) state affiliate with local affiliate chapters plus member hubs. WAEYC is currently piloting the member hub model in Central Washington.  Click here for a member hub checklist. 

For more information on how to participate in the Mind in the Making virtual learning communities, start a Member Hub, volunteer at the WAEYC Annual Conference, or join a WAEYC committee, please email WAEYC or call (253) 854-2565.

Updated December 13, 2011