About NAEYC

Early childhood educators shape the future every day. Whether you are a teacher, program leader, higher education faculty member, or another professional in early childhood education, your work matters deeply. NAEYC exists to support you.

NAEYC is the professional association advancing high-quality early childhood education for children from birth through age 8. We support educators and programs across the field through research-based resources, professional development, accreditation, advocacy, conferences, publications, and community connection.

Featured Product

Your program has a door to the outside and Spring is the perfect time to open it. NAEYC's book, Nature-Based Early Childhood Education, by Monica Wiedel-Lubinski shows you what to do when you do. Grounded in decades of research and real-world practice, this book covers the science behind why outdoor learning works, activities that fit any setting and any season, and strategies for making nature-based education accessible to every child. 

Explore the Book!

NAEYC's Role in Early Childhood Education

The early childhood education community looks to NAEYC to define and uphold standards of quality. Our accreditation systems, position statements, workforce research, and policy leadership help set the national benchmark for early learning programs and professional practice. At the heart of that work are teachers. We provide classroom-ready resources, professional learning, and a trusted community that strengthen practice across early learning settings and amplify educator voice.

Members are connected to national leadership and a network of state and local Affiliates that offer community, professional growth, and advocacy close to home. Together, we are building a stronger early childhood education workforce and advancing better outcomes for young children.