Early Childhood Organizations:

• Early Childhood Membership Associations
• Additional Early Childhood Websites

The field of Early Childhood Education includes an abundance of organizations that support the professional development of early childhood teachers and promote improvements in services to young children. Teachers become members of one or more of these associations to help them grow professionally, stay current on early childhood issues, and participate in group efforts to promote change. Listed below are some professional associations that are particularly relevant to CDA Candidates and credentialed Child Development Associates. In addition to membership benefits, these organizations also offer a wide variety of resource materials.

Early Childhood Membership Associations

• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
  CEC is an international organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or gifted. DEC is for individuals who work with or on behalf of children with special needs, birth through age eight. www.dec-sped.org


• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  NAEYC is dedicated to improving the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. The Association administers a voluntary, national accreditation system for high-quality early childhood programs, sponsors a variety of initiatives to improve professional preparation of early childhood educators, and produces a wide array of early childhood resources. NAEYC membership provides participation in both national and local services through the Association's network of over 300 local, state, and regional Affiliates. www.naeyc.org


• National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
  NAFCC is dedicated to promoting quality child care by strengthening the profession of family child care. NAFCC provides technical assistance to family child care associations by promoting leadership development and by promoting quality and professionalism through the organization's accreditation process for family child care providers. www.nafcc.org


• National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)
  NBCDI provides and supports programs, workshops, and resources for African American children, their parents and communities in: early health and education; health; elementary and secondary education; child welfare; and parenting. Affiliate chapters in many regions of the country provide direct services at the community level. www.nbcdi.org
  


• National Head Start Association (NHSA)
  NHSA is dedicated to meeting the needs of Head Start children and their families. The Association provides support for the Head Start community by advocating for policies to strengthen Head Start services; providing training and professional development to Head Start staff; and developing and disseminating research, information, and resources that enrich Head Start program delivery. www.nhsa.org


• World Organization for Early Childhood Education-United States National Committee (OMEP-USNC)
  OMEP is the only worldwide non-governmental organization that focuses on education and welfare of young children, ages 0-8. OMEP assists any undertaking to improve early childhood education, and supports scientific research that can influence these conditions. The USNC works to educate its members and the public about issues relating to young children throughout the world. www.omep-usnc.org

Additional Early Childhood Websites
The following groups also provide valuable information and resources for early childhood professionals. They are listed separately because they are not structured as individual membership associations.

• ACF Head Start Bureau
  This website provides comprehensive information about Head Start programs, services, statistics, and events. www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/hsb


• National Association for Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA)
  NACCRRA is the national network of more than 850 child care resource and referral centers located in every state and most communities across the U.S. These centers help families, child care providers, and communities find, provide, and plan for affordable, quality child care. www.naccrra.org


• National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC)
  NCCIC is a national clearinghouse and technical assistance center linking parents, providers, policy-makers, researchers, and the public to early care and education information. www.nccic.org


• Pre-K Now
  Pre-K Now's mission is to collaborate with advocates and policymakers to lead a movement for high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten for all three- and four-year olds. www.preknow.org



• Reggio Emilia
  The Reggio Emilia (Italy) approach to early childhood education is an inspiration to early childhood educators worldwide. Ideas about this approach can be accessed through publications, a newsletter, traveling exhibits, and seminars. http://zerosei.comune.re.it/inter/reggiochildren.htm


ZERO TO THREE
ZERO TO THREE's mission is to support the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families. This multidisciplinary organization advances its mission by informing, educating and supporting adults who influence the lives of infants and toddlers. www.zerotothree.org