HISTORY OF
INDIANA AEYC

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.

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