The Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children promotes high quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8 by connecting practice, policy and research.
We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care,
educate and work on behalf of young children.
Nominations Are Open -- Join the CTAEYC Board of Directors
Open seats, no experience required. Nominations close May 22.
Terms begin July 1, 2026, and we have five open seats ready for the right leaders.
If you have ever wanted to influence statewide early childhood policy, grow your governance experience, and connect with leaders across Connecticut
and beyond through NAEYC, this is your moment.
We are actively seeking leaders from across the full spectrum of Connecticut's early childhood field, including family childcare providers, center-based leaders, Head Start staff, public school ECE educators, higher education faculty, and community advocates.
No prior board experience is required. If your work touches young children, families, or the early childhood workforce, your voice belongs at this table.
What Is the Time Commitment?
Board service includes a minimum of four meetings per year (primarily virtual),
active participation on one standing committee, and engagement in CTAEYC
initiatives and our annual conference. The governance structure was rebuilt
specifically to ensure that committee work is strategic rather than operational,
and that every board member has the support to serve with confidence.
How to Submit a Nomination
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Email president@ctaeyc.org with the following:
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Your name and CTAEYC membership email
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The position you are running for
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Your contact information (email and phone)
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A brief statement of interest (recommended and may appear on the ballot)
Nominating someone else? Include their name and contact information,
the seat you are nominating them for, a brief letter of support,
and written confirmation that the nominee has consented to run.
For the Co-President Elect seat only, written confirmation of the four-year
pipeline commitment is required at the time of submission.
Key Dates
Nominations Open: May 8, 2026
Nominations Close: May 22, 2026 (end of day)
Voting Opens: May 29, 2026
Results Announced: Within 5 business days of June 12, 2026
Terms Begin: July 1, 2026
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Co-President Elect is a four-year structured leadership pipeline moving through Co-President Elect, Co-President (two years), and Past President. No re-election is required after the initial vote. This is an Executive Committee seat from day one.
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VP of Professional Learning & Quality leads CTAEYC's statewide professional development priorities and chairs the Professional Learning and Quality Committee. Two-year term.
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VP of Community Engagement & Membership leads membership growth strategy and community representation across Connecticut. Two-year term.
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VP of Finance, Fund Development & Sustainability is an Executive Committee role overseeing budget, audit review, and fund development strategy. Two-year term.
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Member at Large (2 seats) are full voting board members with no committee chair responsibility, making this an excellent entry point for first-time board members. Two-year term.
Questions? Email us at president@ctaeyc.org
and we are happy to talk through any role before you decide.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CTAEYC
This week, members of the CTAEYC team traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the
2026 NAEYC Public Policy Forum, a powerful national gathering focused on advocacy,
leadership, and advancing early childhood education.
The Public Policy Forum brings educators and advocates together to strengthen advocacy skills,
expand policy knowledge, and connect directly with policymakers on the issues that matter most
to young children, families, and the early childhood workforce.
Throughout the week, our team engaged in learning sessions, collaborative strategy conversations,
and meaningful discussions with national and state leaders. We were proud to represent Connecticut,
elevate the voices of our members, and advocate for policies that support high-quality early learning for all.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and bring new energy back to our work,
because when educators use their voices together, real change happens.
CTAEYC board members and staff spent the week learning and collaborating
with early childhood education leaders from across the country at the
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference.
We are excited to bring fresh ideas and renewed energy back to the early childhood community here in Connecticut.
Over 50 Consultants, TA Providers, Facilitators from across the state participated in a Professional Development opportunity using
The Science Behind Change to Support Quality Improvement with
Amittia Parker PhD, LMSW, MPA from Georgetown University funded by the CT OEC
Karen Rainville, Jean Barresi, and Maegan Adams
presented at the ERS Conference in Las Vegas.
Their session, “Building Systems for Success", highlights the intentional structures
and partnerships we’ve built across the state to support programs,
coaches, and raters in using the ERS tools as a lever for quality.
A big shoutout to the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood for their leadership and
investment in this initiative, as well as their commitment to building a
Quality Improvement System of aligned supports across Connecticut.
Early Childhood Educators from around the state
joined CTAEYC and CTECA at the state capitol
for a day of advocacy and community.
Staffed Family Child Care Workshops
The Network will host networking dinners and workshops throughout the year. To ensure you're on the list, please be sure to join your local network by completing this interest form: https://hub.211childcare.org/membership-interest-form/
Discover professional development opportunities
Up-to-date resources and how to stay connected
