The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children was founded shortly after the National Association for Nursery Education, founded in 1926, became the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 1964. In the early 1970’s, a group of early childhood educators recognized the need for a professional network in Vermont to represent the broad range of professional roles in early childhood education. “The creation of VAEYC was truly a collective effort,” reports Nony Grams, one of the founders. VAEYC is charged to serve and to act on behalf of the needs, rights, and well-being of all young children, with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources. VAEYC also fosters the growth and development of membership in their work and on the behalf of young children.
Today VAEYC’s membership numbers over 335. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the quality of care and education, improving the professional practice of early education and building public understanding and support for high quality early childhood programs.
Early care and education in Vermont has become a statewide collaborative effort. VAEYC members participate in a variety of activities and provide numerous services and resources. The VAEYC newsletter Connections is a resource for activities, events, and professional development opportunities for educators in Vermont.
The membership year is now revolving, allowing members to join at any point in the year. VAEYC membership benefits include: the membership directory (a valuable networking tool); reduced rates at all conferences and workshops; a subscription to Connections as well as Young Children (the national journal); voting privileges in the Vermont and National AEYC; and first copies of selected NAEYC publications throughout the year (comprehensive members only).