GAYC

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.

Do you believe in GAYC's mission and vision? Then join, become actively involved and/or donate to and make a difference in the lives of children. All donations are tax deductable and can be designated to support a particular project such as NAEYC accreditation or training scholarships for child caregivers with financial need. Tax deductable donations should be mailed to GAYC, 368 Moreland Ave. NE Suite 240, Atlanta, GA, 30307. Donors receive a letter verifying their donation and are recognized in the GAYC Summer Newsletter and Annual Report. To join see our membership page.

Who are GAYC members? -- Back to Top

Individuals, like yourself, who care about the education of young children. People who want to make a difference, learn more and meet others who share their interests. The board and membership reflect Georgia's diversity with representation from many 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 education for Georgia's children.

District Structure
We hear your voices! 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 and Student Chapters
Organized locally, chapters of GAYC further address community needs through a network of individuals in communities across the state. Contact us for information on current local chapters, such as the Augusta chapter or the under development chapter in Waycross, the student chapter at Georgia College and State University or the under development chapter at Athens Technical College. To start a local chapter in your area, contact GAYC at gaycdirector@algxmail.com.

Become Actively Involved - Volunteer and "Find Your Spot in GAYC" There are many ways to be involved in supporting young children ranging from 15 minute opportunities to serving on one of our 17 committees. Want to make a difference and meet others? Contact gaycdirector@algxmail,com. We will help find the right spot for you!

What does GAYC do? -- Back to Top

Since 1966, GAYC has worked independently and collectively with local, state and national organizations to move Georgia closer to meeting and improving early care and education for 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

Electronic 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 a sample back issue. Join GAYC/SECA/NAEYC for access to current issues.

Annual Conference: Usually held in October, this year October 11-12, 2013 with over 150 sessions. See Conference page for more information. Also visit our Training page for other trainings in 2013.

Additional Professional Development Opportunities Director, Teacher, Trainer and Accreditation Institutes, courses, seminars and workshops, See the Training page on this website for 2013 information and downloadable registration forms.

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.

GAYC Accreditation Facilitation Project: Applications are now being accepted to help licensed/exempt centers move towards NAEYC Accreditation. See the Accreditation page for detaoled information. The Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP) is partially funded by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Learning through the federal Child Care Development fund.

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, the GAYC Special Awards - Fan Brooke Grassroots Award, the Jo Cato Perseverance Award, and others. See Conference page for award criteria and nomination forms.

Week/Month of the Young Child each April with statewide activities, a statewide calendar, and a Proclamation from the Governor. Visit the WOYC page on this website or contact 2010-13 GAYC MOYC Chair, Ayanna Hawkins at ayanna@kidsrkids.com

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 NAEYC Annual Conference is November 20-23, 2013 in Washungton, DC. The SECA Conference is in Mobile, Alabama on February 28 - March 2, 2013.

Leadership and Collaboration -- Back to Top

GAYC' s motto: "Together for Children." For over 46 years GAYC has been active in creating opportunities to work with other organizations. GAYC accomlishes its efforts through collaboration, partnerships, networking and linkages on behalf of children. Leadership efforts have included:

GAYC Developmentally Appropriat Practice Position Statement

· Strengthening Families Georgia, GAYC Leadership Team Chair

· Collaboration with Bright from the Start, Smart Start, Department of Human Resources, Department of Education, colleges and universities, Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, Georgia Birth to Five Coalition, Atlanta Women's Foundation, NAEYC, SECA and many more agencies and organizations.

Women's Voices in Child Care Project funded by the Atlanta Women's Foundation, 2008-11

Georgia Professional Development and Training System Planning Grant, 1993-95, now known as the Georgia Early Care and Education Professional Development System (GAECEPDS) administered by Bright from the Start (BFTS): Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning www.training.decal.ga.gov

· Professional Development Early Childhood Education Mini-Grants, 1994-2004. GAYC enhancement grants are now available only through our GAYC Technical Assistance Project.

· TEACH Early Childhood® in Georgia Scholarship Program, 1994-2003. Later transitioned to SCHOLARSHIPS, a BFTS program administered by Care Solutions, Inc. www.training.decal.ga.gov

Initiated the first statewide Georgia Training Calender, 1990-94, now administrated by BFTS and availible online at www.training.decal.ga.gov

Developed the original Training Approval Process for Georgia. 1994-96, now administered by BFTS, accessible online at www.training.decal.ga.gov