GAYC

What is GAYC? -- Back to Top

The Georgia Association on Young Children (GAYC) is a non-profit membership organization that promotes quality early care and education for young children. GAYC is the state affiliate of the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

GAYC's purpose is to work toward improving the general welfare of Georgia's young children from birth through age eight by:

" Providing opportunities for early care and education professionals and paraprofessionals to enhance their experiences and increase their knowledge of young children

" Working with its membership and other organizations to develop and nurture partnerships on behalf of young children and families.

GAYC Vision -- Back to Top

Our vision is a world in which all young children have the learning opportunities they need for healthy development, supported by early childhood educators who have the education, financial support, and the recognition of their community.

GAYC Mission -- Back to Top

The mission of the Georgia Association on Young Children is to encourage and support healthy development in young children by working with others (1) to increase public awareness of the importance of early childhood education, and (2) to improve the quality of programs for young children through learning opportunities for early childhood educators.

Who are GAYC members? -- Back to Top

Membership in GAYC is open to all individuals interested in supporting and promoting quality early care and education. The board and membership reflect Georgia's diversity with representation from the various cultural and ethnic orientations; urban, suburban and rural perspectives; a full range of early care and education professions; as well as parents, advocates and individuals concerned with quality of education for Georgia's children.

District Structure
The GAYC Board includes representation for 10 diverse districts across the state. Active Board participation and an organizational structure that encompasses the diverse needs and interests of the membership help in the design of grassroots, as well as state-wide, activities that promote quality experiences for young children and their families.

Local Chapters
Local chapters of GAYC further address community needs through a network of individuals in communities across the state.For information on current local chapters or those under development in the Augusta or Waycross or the student chapter at Georgia College and State University, or to start a local chapter in your area, contact GAYC at gaycdirector@algxmail.com.

What does GAYC do? -- Back to Top

Since 1966, GAYC has worked independently and collectively with local, state, and national organizations in activities designed to move Georgia closer to meeting and improving early care and education experiences of young children. Efforts have included support of appropriate early learning standards and assessments for young children, accreditation of child care and early education programs, professional development opportunities for those who work with young children, early detection and support of children with special needs, and family support programs.

Services and Resources -- Back to Top

" Quarterly newsletter keeps members up to date about issues, new ideas, publications, training opportunities, workshops and conferences at the community, state, and national levels. See What's New page for selected back issues. Join GAYC/SECA/NAEYC for current issues.

" Annual Conference : October 10-11, 2008 with over 145 sessions. See Conference page for more information. Super Saturdays on "Get the Basics and More!" in January and March 7, 2009 and Professional Development Institute.

" Annual Awards Banquet recognizing individuals and programs for professional accomplishments in early care and education: Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), NAEYC Accreditation, National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) Accreditation, Bright from the Start Centers of Distinction and Homes of Quality, the GAYC Special Awards - Fan Brooke Grassroots Award, the Jo Cato Perseverance Award, and others. See Scholarships and Awards page for more information.

GAYC Technical Assistance Project: Applications are now being accepted to help 15 licensed centers move towards BFTS Center of Distinction or NAEYC Accreditation. See What's New page on this website for more 2008-09 information.

Director, Teacher and Accreditation Institutes, Seminars, and Workshops, See Director Institute page on this website for 2008 registration information.

Advancing Careers, a free career and professional development service. Call toll free 1-888-405-2238 or visit the Advancing Careers page on this website.

" Week/Month of the Young Child" each April with statewide activities, a statewide calendar, and a Proclamation from the Governor. Contact 2008 GAYC MOYC Chair, Crystal Rhodes at crystal@kidsrkids.com

" Georgia Child Care Industry Certification is jointly awarded by GAYC and the Georgia Department of Education to high school child development programs meeting the highest standards of quality instruction in child care.

" Linkage to NAEYC www.naeyc.org and SECA resources www.southernearlychildhood.org Options include: publications, conferences, institutes, program accreditation, information resources, insurance services, and more. The 2009 SECA Conference is January 29-31, 2009 in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Leadership and Collaboration -- Back to Top

For over 40 years GAYC has been active in creating partnerships and opportunities to work with other organizations concerned with the lives of children. Collaboration and partnerships on behalf of children have always been an important part of GAYC as is evident in the organization's motto: "Together for Children." Leadership efforts have included:

" Georgia Professional Development and Training System Planning Grant, 1993-95, now known as Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Professional Development System

TEACH Early Childhood in Georgia Scholarship Program, 1994-2003

" Public Policy Platform and Annual State Legislative Agenda, 1966-present

" Georgia Child Care Training Network, 1990-95, 2004-present

" GAYC Financial Assistance Support Networks since 2001

Collaboration with Bright from the Start, Smart Start, Department of Human Resources, Department of Education, Colleges and Universities, Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and many more agencies and organizations.