CHANDLER, AZ. (October 31, 2019) The Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children announced that Dr. Eric Bucher has been named Executive Director of AzAEYC.
As one of Arizona’s two state affiliates of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy and research. AzAEYC is a high-performing, inclusive nonprofit organization.
AzAEYC’s Governing Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Bucher to this key leadership position with the organization. His commitment to strong community relationships, advocacy, and systems thinking will help AzAEYC continue its mission to ensure all of Arizona’s youngest learners and their families thrive in a society dedicated to helping them reach their fullest potential.
Bucher holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation from Arizona State University. His research focuses on data-driven professional development, early childhood STEAM, and Reggio Emilia inspired practices.
With 13 years of experience in the early childhood education field, Dr. Bucher has served as a teacher for children birth to age 8. He has developed content for child/family and teacher programs at a science museum, designed and lead professional development opportunities, and has managing early childhood grants.
Dr. Bucher has served AzAEYC as a board member for over four years. He assumed the role of Board President in January, 2019.
“Our focus as a Board is to coordinate advocacy support with our partners and promote a vibrant and diverse membership that represents the strengths and values the voices of early childhood professionals across the state, said Dr. Bucher. “As we look towards AzAEYC’s future, I am confident that, together in collaboration with our members and partners, we will be a powerful voice for quality early childhood education in Arizona.”
Camille Lachar-Lofaro named Board President
Camille Lachar-Lofaro has served AzAEYC as Treasurer since January, 2018. She will take the reins as President of the AzAEYC Governing Board in January, 2020.
A native of New York State, Lachar-Lofaro arrived in Arizona in 2017 with almost 30 years of experience working with teachers and administrators, children, families and communities. With 19 years of service on the local affiliate board of New York AEYC and 4 years on the New York State Board, Lachar-Lofaro is well prepared to lead AzAEYC as Board President.
“As AzAEYC’s Board President, I will continue to serve the early care and education field as grows around the core values of respect and relationships,” said Lachar-Lofaro. “Instilling those values in our youngest population as well as in the professionals who care for them is an investment in our future.”
About AzAEYC
AzAEYC is a Leader for Arizona’s People, Programs, and #ECEProfessionals. We advocate for the early childhood profession and high quality early education for all young children in our state. We connect members with continuing education options, scholarships and professional development as well as networking opportunities statewide. AzAEYC promotes high professional standards and fair compensation and working conditions within the early education field. AzAEYC achieved affiliate status under the National Association of Young Children in 1989 and was re-approved as a state affiliate in 2017.
CONTACT: Vicki Balint, 602-320-8060 or vbalint@azaeyc.org
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