About GAYC

What is GAYC? -- Back to Top

Georgia Association on Young Children (GAYC) is a non-profit professional organization that promotes quality early care and education for young children. GAYC is affiliated with 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 children and families have the opportunity to participate in high quality early childhood programs and all early childhood professionals have the education, the financial support, and the recognition of the community they so richly deserve.

GAYC Mission -- Back to Top

As an association of early childhood professionals, the mission of the Georgia Association on Young Children is to work with others to provide educational opportunities for early childhood professionals and to increase public awareness of the importance of quality programs for young children and their families.

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 life for Georgia's children and families.

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 affiliate chapters of GAYC further address community needs through a network of individuals in communities across the state.

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 kindergarten assessments, accreditation of child care and early education programs, professional development opportunities, financial assistance awareness, early detection of children's 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.

• Annual conference : October 10th and 11th, 2003 with over 120 sessions

• Distribution to members of the Child Care Training Calendar for Georgia.

• Scholarships for T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps), Early Childhood® in Georgia, CDA assessment and renewal fees for community-based training.

• Annual Awards Banquet recognizing individuals and programs for professional accomplishments in early care and education: Child Development Credential (CDA), NAEYC Accreditation, National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) Accreditation, Centers of Distinction, Homes of Quality, Head Start, the GAYC Special Award, Fan Brooke Grassroots Award and others.

• Week of the Young Child with a Proclamation from the Governor

• Georgia Occupational Child Care 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 and SECA Resources. Options include: publications, conferences, institutes, program accreditation, information resources, insurance services, and more.

Leadership and Collaboration -- Back to Top

GAYC has been active over the years 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." Efforts include:

• Professional Development and Training System Planning Grant, now known as ACET

• Early Childhood Education Mini-Grants

• Public Policy Platform and State Legislative Agenda

• Join Hands for Child and School-Age Care Day at the State Capital

• Georgia Child Care Training Network

• Project Exceptional Train the Trainer

• ACT Financial Assistance Support Networks

• GAYC Validator Support Network