Our programs
Iowa AEYC offers a variety of programs to help early childhood professionals build their skills and provide high quality education for young children.
The latest from Iowa AEYC
Spring classes are right around the corner!
Apply for the TEACH Early Childhood Iowa Scholarship by November 15 for the chance to receive support for tuition, books, travel/internet, paid release time, and counseling support.
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply: iowaaeyc.org/programs/teach/
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✨Our first advocacy training was a success!✨
These Davenport participants had the opportunity to meet their local State Legislator, Representative Daniel Gosa, and learn directly from Representative Tracy Ehlert, who led an informational session on Early Childhood Advocacy and the Iowa Legislature.
If you missed this training, there is another chance in Cedar Rapids on November 8: ccmis.dhs.state.ia.us/trainingregistry/TrainingRegistry/CourseDetail?id=2bYj2KvWH3I%3d
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Our Fall Institute Influencer Award Winner – Kelsey Andersen
Kelsey has been a passionate advocate for early childhood education throughout her 11-year career as the Director of Bluff’s Little Thinkers Child Care and Preschool in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Kelsey regularly engages with legislators, representatives, and senators by highlighting the urgent needs around childcare funding, workforce retention, and access to high-quality programs. She also holds a powerful voice on social media, using it as an educational tool to raise public awareness and understanding of early childhood education in Iowa. Kelsey has continually built strong relationships with local and statewide childhood education professionals. She understands that collective advocacy is powerful, and she uses her network to create and share resources, ideas, and support to strengthen the system for all.
Do you know a leader in the Early Childhood Education field who should be nominated for next year’s awards?
Nominate them here: iowaaeyc.org/membership/nominations-awards/
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A near miracle when an early care and education professional like Kelsey Andersen has bandwidth to work their daily service and still go beyond; but then most early childhood professionals are daily miracle workers. Kelsey, you’re an exemplary example of ECE professionalism and much needed advocacy energy & inspiration. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
So fabulous!!!!! What a voice!!!!
Much deserved! Congratulations Kelsey Andersen
Join us on November 8 for a training session on Early Childhood Advocacy and the Iowa Legislature! Led by Representative Tracy Ehlert, this training will help you effectively advocate for early childhood policy.
Attendees will also receive a $25 gas gift card as a thank you for attending
Register now on i-PoWeR: ccmis.dhs.state.ia.us/trainingregistry/TrainingRegistry/CourseDetail?id=2bYj2KvWH3I%3d
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An Iowa AEYC member meeting is coming to Cedar Falls! 📅
Meet Iowa AEYC staff and board members at UNI’s Schindler Education Center on November 12. Learn about member benefits, upcoming events, and more ways to get involved!
This meeting is open to current and prospective members – we hope to see you there!
Sign up now: www.eventbrite.com/e/iowa-aeyc-member-meeting-cedar-falls-ia-tickets-1754940858349?aff=oddtdtcreator
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🚨Only two weeks remain to apply🚨
Get Involved – Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children
iowaaeyc.org
Make a difference through Iowa AEYC Professional Engagement Groups (PEGs) Our Professional Engagement Groups (or PEGs) are interest-based groups for any and all early care and education professionals …0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our Fall Institute Children’s Champion Award Winner – Amy Blanchard
Amy’s visionary leadership and dedication have strengthened early childhood programs across Jasper, Marion, and Poweshiek counties. Her expert budgeting enables critical grant opportunities, and her tireless commitment — often beyond office hours — ensures lasting impact. Amy’s reputation in the ECI community speaks volumes!
Do you know a leader in the Early Childhood Education field who should be nominated for next year’s awards?
Nominate them today: iowaaeyc.org/membership/nominations-awards/
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Do you work with children? This amazing training will not only impact you professionally, but personally! All early childhood educators, staff and childcare providers are invited. Click the QR code to learn more or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/1554308722229?aff=oddtdtcreator
@followers
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💡The Iowa AEYC team is back from the Women Lead Change 2025 conference! From inclusive leadership to future-ready strategies, our staff is inspired and ready to lead with purpose.
#WLC2025
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Good people right here! 💙💙
So many amazing women in one photo! Im so blessed to get to know most of you and be inspired by all of the worl you are doing
That is one powerful group!
Interested in taking spring courses? Apply for the TEACH Early Childhood Iowa scholarship by November 15!
Discover how this scholarship has supported others through financial aid, paid release time, and academic support.
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply: iowaaeyc.org/programs/teach/
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Join us on October 25 for a training session on Early Childhood Advocacy and the Iowa Legislature! Led by Representative Tracy Ehlert, this training will help you effectively advocate for early childhood policy 💡
Attendees will also receive a $25 gas gift card as a thank you for attending!
Register for this event on i-PoWeR today!
ccmis.dhs.state.ia.us/trainingregistry/TrainingRegistry/CourseDetail?id=qcKHIGxjJvY%3d
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🚨Calling all Iowa AEYC members!!🚨
We are excited to bring you an exclusive offer as a benefit for being a member with Iowa AEYC – the chance to apply for a scholarship to attend NAEYC’s upcoming Public Policy Forum alongside the Iowa AEYC team!
NAEYC’s annual Public Policy Forum (PPF) is returning to Washington, D.C. in 2026, where NAEYC will bring together hundreds of early childhood educators and stakeholders to strengthen our advocacy skills, expand our policy knowledge, deepen our relationships with Congressional offices, and build a powerful movement across states and communities!
The dates for the 2026 Public Policy Forum are February 22, 2026 – February 24, 2026 (Travel dates are tentatively departing on Feb 21, 2026, and returning on Feb 24, 2026). If you are an Iowa AEYC/NAEYC member, at least 21 years old, and interested in attending NAEYC’s Public Policy Forum, please fill out the scholarship application listed below by November 12.
Get Involved – Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children
iowaaeyc.org
Make a difference through Iowa AEYC Professional Engagement Groups (PEGs) Our Professional Engagement Groups (or PEGs) are interest-based groups for any and all early care and education professionals …1 CommentComment on Facebook
I received this scholarship last year. It was an amazing experience! I'd encourage everyone to apply if you have an interest in advocacy. Hoping I can attend again someday.
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