Why does a file cabinet need to be at least 3 feet from the door? Why does a trash can have to have a lid? Why can't we use crockpots? Raegina Rico developed a passion and an urgency that led her to become a child care licensing consultant. AzAEYC’s newest board member talks about her work and why safety in the classroom matters so very, very much. Read more.
Outstanding Educator Award recipient Claudia Talambayan of Inspire International Preschool answers our questions about the joy of teaching, compensation challenges within the profession, and the personal rewards of witnessing transformative growth in her young students. Read more
The first inaugural Leadership and Innovation Champion Award was presented to Dawn Craft at AzAEYC’s Annual Meeting on September 29, 2018. Dawn was a key player in skillfully guiding AzAEYC through the recent NAEYC affiliate re-organization. She was instrumental in securing a Virginia G. Piper Foundation grant to support AZToolkit, AzAEYC's shared resources web platform. Learn more.
The first inaugural Advocacy Champion Award was presented to Shanna Kukla at AzAEYC’s Annual Meeting on September 29, 2018. Shanna answered five questions about her career, her work in the field, and reflected on the value of the pursuit of diversity and equity in early childhood education. Learn more.
The Rhian Evans Allvin and Joshua J. Allen Scholarship 2018 was presented to Martha Esmeralda Carrillo of Paradise Valley Community College at AzAEYC’s Annual Meeting on September 29, 2018. Learn more about Esmeralda.
The first inaugural Diversity and Equity Champion Award was presented to Dr. Claire Schonaerts, Professor Emeritus of Northern Arizona University College of Education at AzAEYC's Annual Meeting on September 29, 2018. Learn more.
Meet an #EarlyEdPro! First in our video series: Eric Bucher, Child Development and Education Manager and Board President-Elect of Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children and Bonnie Williams, of Arizona Department of Health Services talk about why they work in the field of early childhood education, how a solid foundation in early learning pays off for the future, and why everyone should care about our youngest learners. Watch the video.
AzAEYC Board Member Jonathon Gonzales talks about growing up in Arizona as a dual language learner in a large family, what he’s learned about supporting military families, and how enrolling his own children in Head Start changed everything. Read more.
Early educators have long understood the power of play. A new study released by the American Academy of Pediatrics concurs, adding support for value of play as an essential part of brain building and healthy child development for young children. Learn more.
Continuing the equity and diversity conversation can be tough. AzAEYC strives to be an inclusive and affirming organization where every member feels welcomed and supported; where we celebrate our diversity and learn from each other. AzAEYC Executive Director Dawn Wilkinson on equity and diversity. Read more.