Promoting and Supporting High Quality Early Learning Since 1964
As the state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Indiana AEYC is a statewide, nonprofit organization with 10 chapters and close to 3,000 members.
Indiana AEYC has a 60-year history of promoting high-quality early learning for each and every child, birth through age eight, by connecting practice, policy and research. We advance a dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. Our mission is supported by concentrating on offering professional development for those in the early care and education field, offering support and recognition for early childhood programs through national accreditation, and championing public policy pertinent to young children. Each and every child thrives in a society committed to helping them reach their full potential.
In 1964, the Indiana Association of Preschool Educators became affiliated with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and changed its name to the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (Indiana AEYC). During this time, Dr. Grace Dixon served as Indiana AEYC’s first president.
Beginning with two statewide conferences, one in the spring and one in the fall, Indiana AEYC continued to gain credibility by working closely with early care and education professionals, policy makers, and parents throughout the state. By 1968, Indiana AEYC hosted the Midwest AEYC conference for the first time in Indianapolis. Indiana AEYC also moved from a governance structure of members-at-large to a Board of Regional Representatives.
In 1969-70, Dr. Jan McCarthy, Dean of the Early Childhood Department at Indiana State University, assumed the role of Indiana AEYC president.
With a Terre Haute corporate address, Indiana AEYC continued working on the association’s business infrastructure and became a tax-exempt 501(C) 3 organization in 1982. Between 1984-85, Indiana AEYC reached the milestone of 1,000 members statewide and continued to provide the largest and most comprehensive early childhood conference in the state.
In 1990, Indiana AEYC was recognized as a state leader in working with policy makers to put in place a comprehensive planning system for young Hoosier children. Indiana AEYC also gained recognition for its role as a strong and vocal supporter of quality early childhood education and care. During the 90’s, membership grew to 1,800 and brought new chapters located throughout the state. In 1993, the second Midwest AEYC conference was held in Indianapolis, with Indiana AEYC continuing to work with a volunteer board of directors and one paid, part-time staff member who worked out of her home.
By 1995, Indiana AEYC’s board of directors embarked on a strategic planning process and prioritized the goals of: (1) governance, (2) fundraising and fiscal management, (3) staffing, (4) programs and services, and (5) community relations. The Indiana AEYC Governing Board immediately took action to reach these goals, resulting in the following milestones:
As the state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Indiana AEYC is a statewide, nonprofit organization with 10 chapters and close to 3,000 members.
Indiana AEYC has a 60-year history of promoting high-quality early learning for each and every child, birth through age eight, by connecting practice, policy and research. We advance a dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. Our mission is supported by concentrating on offering professional development for those in the early care and education field, offering support and recognition for early childhood programs through national accreditation, and championing public policy pertinent to young children. Each and every child thrives in a society committed to helping them reach their full potential.
In 1964, the Indiana Association of Preschool Educators became affiliated with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and changed its name to the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (Indiana AEYC). During this time, Dr. Grace Dixon served as Indiana AEYC’s first president.
Beginning with two statewide conferences, one in the spring and one in the fall, Indiana AEYC continued to gain credibility by working closely with early care and education professionals, policy makers, and parents throughout the state. By 1968, Indiana AEYC hosted the Midwest AEYC conference for the first time in Indianapolis. Indiana AEYC also moved from a governance structure of members-at-large to a Board of Regional Representatives.
In 1969-70, Dr. Jan McCarthy, Dean of the Early Childhood Department at Indiana State University, assumed the role of Indiana AEYC president.
With a Terre Haute corporate address, Indiana AEYC continued working on the association’s business infrastructure and became a tax-exempt 501(C) 3 organization in 1982. Between 1984-85, Indiana AEYC reached the milestone of 1,000 members statewide and continued to provide the largest and most comprehensive early childhood conference in the state.
In 1990, Indiana AEYC was recognized as a state leader in working with policy makers to put in place a comprehensive planning system for young Hoosier children. Indiana AEYC also gained recognition for its role as a strong and vocal supporter of quality early childhood education and care. During the 90’s, membership grew to 1,800 and brought new chapters located throughout the state. In 1993, the second Midwest AEYC conference was held in Indianapolis, with Indiana AEYC continuing to work with a volunteer board of directors and one paid, part-time staff member who worked out of her home.
By 1995, Indiana AEYC’s board of directors embarked on a strategic planning process and prioritized the goals of: (1) governance, (2) fundraising and fiscal management, (3) staffing, (4) programs and services, and (5) community relations. The Indiana AEYC Governing Board immediately took action to reach these goals, resulting in the following milestones:
State Grant Supports Accreditation Fee Assistance
A state grant was received that helped to provide financial support to pay for the fees associated
with the NAEYC accreditation process.
1996
Strategic Planning Completed with NAEYC
Indiana AEYC completed the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Affiliate Development Planning and Strategic Plan Process.
1997
Launch of Indiana’s Largest Early Childhood Conference
Indiana AEYC entered into a collaborative relationship with the O’Bannon administration and more than 20 other statewide organizations to provide the largest early childhood conference in the state.
1998
TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana Project Begins
Indiana AEYC received the contract and license to implement the TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana project.
1999
First INAEYC Office Opens, Membership Reaches 2,000
Indiana AEYC established a physical presence, co-locating with three other state associations – Indiana Licensed Child Care Association, Indiana School Age Child Care Association, and Voices for Indiana’s Children. Indiana AEYC now had an office and full-time staff, and membership reached a goal of 2,000 statewide.
2000
Early Childhood Study Groups Funded; INAEYC Website Launches
Indiana AEYC received financial support from the Education Indiana grant (Indiana Department of Education) to provide early childhood study groups throughout Indiana. Indiana AEYC’s website was developed and launched, expanding the visibility and accessibility of the organization.
2001
First Full-Time Executive Director Hired
Indiana AEYC hired its first, full-time executive director.
2002
New Contracts Expand Accreditation and CDA Projects
Indiana AEYC received two additional contracts to support the Indiana Accreditation Project and the Indiana Non-Formal Child Development Associate (CDA) Project.
2003
INAEYC Celebrates 40 Years and Weekly Member News Launches
Indiana AEYC celebrated its 40th anniversary, represented by a statewide network of 18 local chapters, received funding to fully implement the Indiana Accreditation and the Indiana NonFormal CDA Projects, and moved to weekly communications with members through the electronic-based “Monday News”.
2004
INAEYC Joins Paths to QUALITY™ System
Indiana AEYC became a partner in Paths to QUALITYTM, Indiana’s free and voluntary quality rating and improvement system for regulated child care providers (as established by the Bureau of Child Care, Division of Family Resources, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration).
2006
Local Chapters Gain Voting Seats on Board
Indiana AEYC’s by-laws were updated, giving each local chapter a voting seat on the Board of Directors.
2007
Higher Ed Forum Launched, Over 100,000 Children Reached
Indiana AEYC engaged in a process to evaluate its purpose and vision with the assistance of the authors of Ready or Not: Leadership Choices in Early Care and Education. The Indiana Early Childhood Higher Education Forum was formed with the outcomes of increased articulation between two- and four-year institutions, advocacy, and early childhood licensure. The Forum held its first Early Childhood Higher Education Articulation Summit. Recipients of TEACH (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) Early Childhood® Indiana served more than 100,000 Hoosier children.
2008
Advocacy for REPA Revisions and State ECE Specialist
Indiana AEYC worked with constituents to promote early childhood focused revisions to the proposed Rules for Educator Preparation and Accountability (REPA – Indiana Department of Education). Indiana AEYC requested that the Indiana Department of Education hire an Early Childhood Specialist.
2009
State ECE Specialist Hired; TEACH Celebrates 10 Years
The Indiana Department of Education hired an Early Childhood Specialist and retained many of the REPA revisions promoted by Indiana AEYC and its members. Attendance at the Indiana Early Childhood Conference remained steady with more than 3,000 participants, despite a challenging economy. TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana celebrated its 10th anniversary.
2010
Membership Hits 2,200; New Education Fund Established
Indiana Early Childhood Higher Education Forum Articulation Summits and meetings continue to be held. Indiana AEYC reached a membership of 2,200. The Indiana Early Childhood conference provided professional development to over 3,700 professionals. The Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund was established to support physical activity, literacy, art and nutrition.
2011
CKC Project and National Recognition for Family Child Care
Indiana AEYC maintained a membership of over 2,000. Indiana AEYC received a grant to develop the Indiana Early Childhood and Youth Core Knowledge and Core Competencies for the Indiana Professional Development Network. Indiana AEYC served as the co-chair of the Indiana Professional Development Network. The Indiana Early Childhood Higher Education Forum secured over 14 articulation agreement between the two-year and four-year higher education institutions. Indiana AEYC received an award from the National Family Child Care Association for the increased family child care accredited providers and the support from Indiana AEYC. Indiana AEYC hosted with NAEYC the NAEYC Professional Development Institute in Indianapolis. The first Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund grant was awarded to Saint Mary’s Child Care Center in Indianapolis.
2012
1,120+ TEACH Scholarships and 300+ CDA Participants
Indiana AEYC maintained over 2,000 members with 16 local Chapters. The Indiana Early Childhood Conference provided professional development to over 2,700 professionals. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ process to over 832 facilities. The TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana project provided over 1,120 scholarships to early childhood professionals and the Indiana Non-Formal CDA project provided education to over 300 individuals.
2013
Book Release Benefits Education Fund; 1,700+ Scholarships
Indiana AEYC maintained over 2,200 members with 16 local Chapters. The Indiana Early Childhood and Chapter Conferences provided professional development to over 3,400 professionals. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ process to over 874 facilities. The TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana project provided over 1,700 scholarships to early childhood professionals and the Indiana Non-Formal CDA project provided education to over 280 individuals. Little Christine’s Big Dreams book was released at the Indiana Early Childhood Conference. Proceeds from book go to the Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund.
2014
3-Year Outdoor Classroom Partnership with Nature Explore Begins
Indiana AEYC maintained over 2,000 members with 16 local Chapters. The Indiana Early Childhood and Chapter Conferences provided professional development to over 3,300 professionals. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ process to over 900 facilities. The TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana project expanded and provided over 1,500 scholarships to early childhood professionals and the Indiana Non-Formal CDA project provided education to over 280 individuals. The Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund awarded 3 grants to support creative expression and appreciation for the arts. Indiana AEYC launched a 3-year partnership with Nature Explore to help design and develop outdoor classrooms throughout the state of Indiana.
2015
First MOYC Reception and Arbor Day Foundation Award
Indiana AEYC maintained over 2,000 members with 16 local Chapters. The Indiana Early Childhood and Chapter Conferences provided professional development to over 2,900 professionals. The Christine L. Fisher Fund awarded 4 grants to support healthier environments. Indiana AEYC hosted the first Month of the Young Child Reception where all proceeds, totaling over $5,000 benefited the Christine L. Fisher Fund. Indiana AEYC received the Rachel Carson award from the Arbor Day Foundation that “recognizes program, individuals or organizations whose exemplary leadership and efforts guide the nurturing of young children’s inborn sense of wonder about the natural world.”
2016
Over 800 TEACH Scholarships; $9K in Grants Awarded
Indiana AEYC maintained over 2,000 members with 15 local Chapters. The Indiana Early Childhood and Chapter Conferences provided professional development to over 3,000 professionals. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ process to over 900 facilities. The TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana project provided over 800 scholarships to early childhood professionals and the Indiana Non-Formal CDA project Indiana Non-Formal CDA project provided education to over 250 individuals. The Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund awarded 4 grants totaling $9,000 to support physical fitness, literacy, creative expression/arts, or health and nutrition.
2017
Support for 3,000+ Professionals and 15 Local Chapters
Indiana AEYC maintained over 1,800 members with 15 local Chapters. The Indiana Early Childhood and Chapter Conferences provided professional development to over 3,000 professionals. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ process to over 900 facilities. The TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana project provided over 800 scholarships to early childhood professionals and the Indiana Non-Formal CDA project Indiana Non-Formal CDA project provided education to over 200 individuals. The Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund awarded 4 grants totaling $9,000 to support physical fitness, literacy, creative expression/arts, or health and nutrition.
2018
Over 1,200 Scholarships Awarded and 1,000+ Facilities Advised
Indiana AEYC maintained over 1,900 members with 15 local Chapters. The Indiana Early Childhood and Chapter Conferences provided professional development to over 2,500 professionals. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ process to over 1,000 facilities. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana project provided over 1200 scholarships to early childhood professionals and the Indiana Non Formal CDA project Indiana Non-Formal CDA project provided education to over 54 individuals. The Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund awarded 2 grants totaling $4,200 to support physical fitness, literacy, creative expression/art, or health and nutrition.
2019
Pivot to Virtual Events During COVID-19; 6,000+ Family Interactions
Indiana AEYC maintained over 1,900 members with 11 local Chapters throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Indiana AEYC was awarded the NAEYC Affiliate Top Award for retention. Virtual chapter and public policy events provided professional development and member engagement for over 500 individuals. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ national accreditation process to over 650 facilities. The Early Childhood Workforce Systems team, including the Regional Workforce Coordinators, provided systems development with CKCs, Career Pathways, Training/Trainer Approval System and Career Coaching and Professional Development. The On My Way Pre-K Managers had over 6,000 family interactions. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana project provided over 780 scholarships to early childhood professionals and the Indiana Non-Formal CDA project provided education to over 100 individuals. The Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund awarded 5 grants totaling $20,000 to support physical fitness, literacy, creative expression/art, or health and nutrition.
2020
Master’s Degree Model Launched and Workforce Profiles Expanded
Indiana AEYC maintained over 2,000 members with 11 local Chapters. Virtual chapter and public policy events provided professional development and member engagement for over 500 individuals. Indiana AEYC provided a Virtual Professional Development series with over 400 participants with scholarship support, which included a NAEYC membership to all attending, from the Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning. The Virtual PD Series was offered in conjunction with the Week of the Young Child and the Christine L. Fisher Auction. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ national accreditation process to over 660 facilities. The Early Childhood Workforce Systems team, including the Regional Workforce Coordinators, provided systems development with updated CKCs, Career Pathways, soft launch of the Early Childhood Training and Trainer Approval System and completed over 1100 Workforce Profiles. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana project provided over 500 scholarships to early childhood professionals and launched the Master Degree model and the Early Childhood Teacher Induction Project. The Indiana Non-Formal CDA project executed 4 contract and launched the Go NAP SACC Pilot. The Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund awarded 6 grants totaling $22,500 to support physical fitness, literacy, creative expression/art, or health and nutrition.
2021
Final Christine L. Fisher Grants Awarded; 6,230 Pre-K Enrollments
Indiana AEYC maintained over 2,000 members with 10 local Chapters. Chapter and public policy events provided professional development and member engagement for over 400 individuals. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ national accreditation process to 443 nationally accredited facilities. The Early Childhood Workforce Systems team, including the Regional Workforce Coordinators, provided systems development with CKCs and completed revision, IN Early Childhood and Out of School Learning Career Pathways and the revised drafts, Training/Trainer Approval System launch and Career Coaching and Professional Development including Career and Technical High School Programs. The On My Way Pre-K Managers saw 6,230 OMW enrollments with over 1,000 OMW Pre-K approved programs. The TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana project provided 813 scholarships to early childhood professionals and the Indiana Non-Formal CDA project provided education to over 100 individuals. The Christine L. Fisher Early Childhood Education Fund, in its final year, awarded 8 grants totaling $40,000 to support physical fitness, literacy, creative expression/art, or health and nutrition.
2022
Membership Surpasses 3,000; 1,250 TEACH Scholarships Awarded
Indiana AEYC maintained over 3,000 members with 10 local Chapters and held over 43 member engagement events or meetings. The Indiana Accreditation Project provided quality advising through the Paths to QUALITY™ national accreditation process to 473 nationally accredited facilities. The Early Childhood Workforce Systems team, including the Regional Workforce Coordinators, provided 916 career coaching to 916 individuals and provided 253 accreditation scholarships. The On My Way Pre-K Managers saw 7,990 OMW enrollments with over 1100 OMW Pre-K approved programs. The TEACH Early Childhood® Indiana project provided 1,250 scholarships to early childhood professionals and the Indiana Non-Formal CDA project provided 115 scholarships. The Indiana Early Childhood Conference provided professional development and networking opportunities to over 1,600 individuals.
