National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Day 2️⃣ at #NAEYCAC25 brought another full and energizing day of learning, connection, and discovery! Day 2 Highlights 🍎 Members packed the day with powerful conference sessions, diving into fresh strategies, new research, and inspiring ideas to strengthen their practice. 🖇️ The Expo continued buzzing with excitement as attendees explored innovative materials, engaged with exhibitors, and discovered tools to elevate early learning. 🖍️ Attendees enjoyed Expo Lunch Options while networking with peers from across the country. We closed the afternoon with the lively NAEYC Land Poster Session, where educators shared projects, exchanged ideas, and built meaningful connections at the NAEYC Expo booth. Day 2 left us inspired, energized, and ready for more. #NAEYCAC25

I’m so excited to be here in Orlando with thousands of early childhood education professionals for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 2025 Annual Conference.  We’ve kicked off with a great conversation with @Soledad O’Brien who reminded us of the power of bringing our personal stories and experiences to support each and every child, family, and community in early learning. Her own story, as the daughter of immigrants, a mother, journalist, and storyteller is so inspiring!  I’m looking forward to the next few days of connection, learning, and inspiration alongside so many passionate professionals who devote their hearts and careers to this challenging and rewarding work of early childhood education. Together, we’re living this year’s theme: “In this place, we learn. For every child, we lead.” #NAEYCAC25 

Day 1 at #NAEYCAC25 is officially in the books—and what an incredible start! 🎉 From morning registration to a full slate of inspiring sessions, education professionals from across the country filled the Orange County Convention Center with energy, curiosity, and community. Day 1 Highlights: 🖍️Attendees kicked off the day diving into sessions that sparked new ideas, strengthened practice, and deepened connections. 🖍️The Expo Grand Opening brought hands-on resources, innovative tools, and opportunities to explore what’s new in early learning. 🖍️We closed the day together at the Opening General Session with keynote speaker Soledad O’Brien, who reminded us of the power of storytelling and the impact of sharing our lived experiences in service of children and families. What an inspiring beginning—and we’re just getting started. #NAEYCAC25

“Too often I think early childhood educators do this critical work without the pay, the respect, and the support you deserve.” Soledad O’Brien grew up in a house of educators and has been navigating the education journey with her own children. She understands the work, effort, love, and care educators pour into their work and students. She wants all educators to know they are seen, appreciated, and supported and will join NAEYC CEO Michelle Kang to help open this year’s Annual Conference, celebrating the impact of early childhood professionals and the vital you they play in shaping the future. Annual Conference is less than two weeks away, but there's still time to register! https://lnkd.in/eXGX6VND

Families and early childhood educators across the country are being disrupted by the ongoing government shutdown. NAEYC is calling on elected leaders to act now to fund the government and support child care and early learning, health care, and nutrition so communities can thrive. Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/eRWAJAzV

To every educator leading with resilience, care, and conviction, Soledad O’Brien is speaking to you. She understands the courage it takes to keep showing up for children and families, to lead with empathy in challenging times, and to hold on to purpose when the work feels heavy. Her message is a powerful reminder that your voice and your impact matter. At this year’s NAEYC Annual Conference, Soledad will join NAEYC CEO Michelle Kang for an opening fireside chat about truth, leadership, and the kind of integrity that sustains meaningful change. Join us in Orlando, November 19–22, to reconnect with your purpose, your community, and the inspiration that drives this work forward. Register today: https://lnkd.in/eXGX6VND

Working in early childhood education leaves very little extra time outside of the classroom to work on yourself. In order to help educators expand the knowledge and experience, we've created a new self-paced mini course - so educators can learn on their own schedule. These courses are grounded in developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and are inspired by Teaching Young Children article, which are included with NAEYC memberships! You also receive IACET CEUs upon completion, as well as a certification of completion. Find the new mini course through the link here: https://lnkd.in/e3Drsgav

Child care costs aren’t just rising for families, they’re rising for providers too. As NAEYC Chief Policy & Professional Advancement Officer Daniel Hains told listeners on Marketplace by APM, “Labor is a big expense, you need really small staff-child ratios, where individual educators have a lot of time with individual children.” Investing in the early childhood workforce is investing in the future for children, families, and the economy. Listen to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e4VCtg6B

For 31 years, Monique Cabiness, NAEYC’s Senior Director of Conferences, has been at the heart of creating meaningful conferences for early childhood professionals. In this short video, she reflects on what makes the NAEYC Annual Conference so special and why she feels a personal connection to the educators who attend. Join Monique in Orlando, Nov. 19–22, and experience the same inspiration, connection, and professional growth that keep early childhood educators coming back year after year. Rates increase after tomorrow, so this is the last chance to secure the lower rate and be part of the largest gathering of early childhood educators in the world. Register here before the prices increase: https://lnkd.in/gefiq2W9

🚨Did you know that if the government shutdown continues into November, nearly 65,000 children could lose access to Head Start and the quality education and services their families depend on? When Head Start programs close, communities lose trusted educators, parents lose support, and children lose a safe place to grow. Families and educators are counting on Congress to work together and do the right thing. 📣Take action: https://lnkd.in/ef6UYz-K #StandForHeadStart