Stories From The Field

Congratulations to all Arizona ECE Graduates!

May 25, 2018 12:31 am Published by
Monica Krantzman, new Central Arizona College ECE graduate

Meet some of the 2018 ECE Graduates around the state of Arizona! A few new grads from Central Arizona College, Mesa Community College and Pioneer Northland College weigh in on what drew them to the field of early childhood education, how they met the challenges of earning a degree, and what the future holds. Allison Landy, EdD, Early Childhood Department Chair of Northland Pioneer College, shares her perspective on the ECE graduation experience. Learn more. 

Early Childhood Mentors Make the Difference: Meet Lauren Davis

April 11, 2018 4:26 pm Published by
Lauren Davis and Robin Bradford

As preschool teacher at King Early Learning Center in the Roosevelt Elementary School District, AzAEYC Board member Lauren Davis talks about how encouragement from a caring mentor can make all the difference. Read more.

DES Investment in Accreditation

March 27, 2018 11:42 pm Published by
Camille Lachar-Lofaro

Beginning April 1,2018, a DES investment will offer an increased reimbursement to nationally accredited child care providers of 20% from the previous rate of 10%. AzAEYC Board member Camille Lachar-Lofaro explains the DES investment in accreditation and why accreditation is important in determining quality. Read more. 

NAEYC Public Policy Forum 2018: Team Arizona

March 13, 2018 8:58 pm Published by

The NAEYC 2018 Public Policy Forum was held from March 4-6 in Washington, DC. Team Arizona gathered with colleagues from across the country to advance federal and state early childhood policy.

The 2018 Public Policy Forum included sessions on electoral advocacy, expert policy briefings, guest speakers, and interactive breakout sessions. Representatives from state team members gathered in Arlington, Va., just a short Metro ride from the United States Capitol. We assembled a photo essay of Team Arizona’s experiences on Hill Day. Learn more. 

5 Easy Action Steps for Early Childhood Advocates

February 27, 2018 10:08 pm Published by

Many of us already consider ourselves to be early childhood advocates. But taking action as an early childhood advocate? It's not as tough as you might think. Here are 5 ways that early childhood advocates can take TODAY...Learn more

Speak out: Be a Child Care Aware® Parent Advocate

January 24, 2018 9:43 pm Published by
Jones family

As Travis and I left for DC to be Child Care Aware® Parent Advocates on behalf of families in Arizona, we couldn’t help but feel a bit intimidated and anxious about this huge responsibility. Once we arrived...Read more  

Use your Voice: Ben Alteneder on ECE Policy and Advocacy

January 17, 2018 4:21 pm Published by
Ben Alteneder ECE public policy advocacy

As AzAEYC’s Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Ben Alteneder believes that when well-informed early childhood educators connect with elected officials, positive change is possible. Ben talks specifics on what busy early educators can do to advocate for the profession, why robust attendance at Early Childhood Legislative Day on February 15 really can make a difference, and how becoming a father to his daughter Keira, age 5, has influenced his career path. Read more. 

A new ED for AzAEYC! Introducing Dawn Wilkinson

December 8, 2017 6:47 pm Published by
dawn-wilkerson-new-ED

It is with great pleasure that I announce the hiring of the first-ever Executive Director of the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC), Dawn Wilkinson! Dawn has extensive experience with the Arizona Early Childhood System, including her most recent role as Professional Development System Specialist...Read more

Anti-bias early education and holiday celebrations: Staying neutral

December 8, 2017 5:07 pm Published by
anti-bias_AzAEYC-Salter

What’s the best way to maintain an anti-bias curriculum during the holiday season?  For Laura Salter, Center Director of Signal Peak Early Learning Center at the Central Arizona College campus in Coolidge, the answer is to maintain a “policy of...

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