The challenge is ever present for NAEYC's chapter Affiliates to find new members who want to make a commitment to the organization and to have fresh, innovative ideas that will sustain local groups. Involving undergraduates in local Affiliates contributes to preparing the next generation of leaders, a necessary strategy for preserving and…

Describes how early childhood professionals can help young children avoid getting involved with violence or being exposed to violence. Presents information on the ACT [Adults and Children Together] Against Violence campaign, a national, multimedia campaign and a community-based training program developed in partnership by the National Association…

Presents guidelines for selecting materials for 6- to 8-year-olds in primary school settings involved in four categories of play: social and fantasy play; exploration and mastery play; music, art, and movement play; and gross motor play. Asserts that providing a variety of materials for children's independent activities pursued alone or with peers…

Summarizes organizational progress over two years of author's presidency of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Notes major activities, including development of a new organizational structure and the selection of new leadership for the NAEYC Board. (KB)

Reprints speech originally given in 1947 to the National Association for Nursery Education (now NAEYC) to reflect on the organization's first 25 years. Speech examines accomplishments of the field, identifies challenges for the future, and recommends steps for the organization and the profession. (KB)

Introduces a position statement developed jointly by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education to identify criteria for developing, adopting, and using early learning standards. Identifies features of effective early learning standards.…

Discusses the skills involved in effective newsletter writing and editing for early childhood professional organizations, child care centers, and schools. Presents 10 tips for effective newsletter production, including defining the newsletter's purpose, designing a clear logo, tapping several resources for editorial assistance, learning computer…

Discusses notable changes occurring in early childhood education and the National Association for Education of Young Children: (1) both are experiencing unprecedented growth; (2) the increased attention from media, politicians, business, researchers, policymakers, and parents has created challenges for both; and (3) there are new leadership…

Discusses the past history and present and future goals of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), as related to the group's mission to improve the quality of services for children from birth to age 8. Considers problems and opportunities to be addressed by the NAEYC. (JPB)

Identifies pioneers in the 75-year-old National Association for the Education of Young Children. Notes that they defined central issues for the field, worked to marshal public opinion regarding early childhood education, helped to develop public policy, and achieved support for early childhood programs. (KB)

Discusses lessons learned from 75 years of operation of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Notes that individuals, when united and organized, can make a greater difference. Also cites as important setting and promoting standards, providing opportunities for experts to exchange information about child development and…

Discusses the problems, advantages and strategies involved in forming coalitions to support the needs and rights of children, youth and families. (BD)

Delineates newly released revised standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children for college and university programs that prepare early childhood professionals. Describes the standards revision process and offers highlights of the revised standards. Suggests that challenges to meeting standards relate to access,…

Discusses the importance of partnerships among professionals in early childhood education and in other fields for the effective and efficient functioning of organizations working with young children and their families. Considers how the diversity of members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the unique…

Summarizes the basic position and recommendations of a recently released joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics regarding effective, engaging early childhood mathematics education. Recommended educational practices include integrating mathematics…