Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

3 days ago

We’re excited to announce that between Facebook and email, we raised $251 for GivingTuesday this year! Every single donation matters, and we are so grateful for your generosity. We hope that you will continue to consider us for your year-end giving! … See MoreSee Less

Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

1 week ago

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are so grateful for each and every early childhood professional who is actively making a positive difference in the lives of young children.

To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, our office will be closed today and tomorrow. We will reopen Monday morning. … See MoreSee Less

Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

1 week ago

Here’s a little sneak peak of our upcoming WAGE$ 10-year anniversary report! It is an honor to support people like Charles and Samantha, who were both on when WAGE$ was established in Iowa and are still on today! … See MoreSee Less

Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

2 weeks ago

Our fifth award winner from the Fall Institute is Cassie Odland! Cassie is the recipient of the Family Partnership Award, which celebrates a significant contribution to the education, development, and/or successful outcomes for children, families, or staff within a program serving children between ages birth to eight years. Cassie’s work at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Polk County is highly deserving of this award – here’s what her nominators said about her:

“Cassie provides ongoing professional collaboration which elevates families with young children and makes connections with a variety of early care and education service providers. She tailors her program’s service delivery methods to uniquely align with partnering programs, resulting in enhanced and increased positive outcomes in the areas of early childhood literacy, family relationship development, guidance and other health and wellness education for young families. She has led collaborations that address the barriers of language and culture, creating greater access to ISU’s family engagement opportunities for refugee and immigrant communities. She has participated in Iowa AEYC’s Week of the Young Child celebrations, the Early Literacy Metro Collaboration and other community networking activities, always offering possibilities to expand, reach and engage families with young children, supporting their goals and hopes for lifelong learning, health and wellness achievements.”

Image: Headshot of Cassie Odland, award winner. … See MoreSee Less

Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

2 weeks ago

One of our highest priorities at Iowa AEYC is making sure that early care and education professionals get the education they need to be the best providers they can be at an affordable price. By and large, our field is understaffed and underpaid, and many people face financial barriers that prevent them from going back to school.

That’s why we’re excited to offer not only the T.E.A.C.H. and WAGE$ programs, but also to provide extra support to those with previous higher education experiences that prevent them from currently pursuing additional higher education. Specifically, the Removing Barriers fund provides grants for people who either a) have an international transcript that they need evaluated and/or translated, or b) have an outstanding debt from a previous college that prevents them from obtaining a transcript.

If you’d like to donate to this fund to help remove barriers, please join us on GivingTuesday, which is just over a week from today! … See MoreSee Less

Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

2 weeks ago

GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to use their individual power of generosity to support their communities.

As you consider what you can use your power to support, we encourage you to think of Iowa AEYC! Beyond the local professional development opportunities that we offer, we are committed to offering opportunities to honor and develop leaders at national conferences.

In fact, NAEYC’s annual Public Policy Forum is coming up soon, and if you’re interested in going, we have a scholarship opportunity available for you! Stay tuned on our social media to learn more.

If you’re interested in funding initiatives like this, make sure to join us for GivingTuesday on December 3! … See MoreSee Less

Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

2 weeks ago

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 2025, where we 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 2025 Public Policy Forum are Sunday, February 23 – Tuesday, February 25. If you are interested in attending NAEYC’s Public Policy Forum, please fill out the scholarship application on the website listed below by December 6. If awarded, the scholarship will cover all expenses associated with attending PPF: registration, mileage, airfare, meals, and hotel. … See MoreSee Less