The National Association for the Education of Young Children, founded in 1926, is the largest organization dedicated early childhood education. Members of NAEYC include teachers, paraprofessionals, teacher educators, and administrators. NAEYC offers local, regional, and national conferences. Sessions at these conferences can serve as continuing education courses for child care workers. These conferences provide a forum for professionals to share ideas and garner support. NAEYC also offers accreditation for child care facilities that pass its rigorous standards for excellence. Journals associated with the organization include Young Children, Teaching Young Children, and Early Childhood Research Quarterly.
Head Start was born out of Lyndon Johnson's "great society." The National Head Start Association began in 1973 as an association of Head Start directors. Directors were joined by staff and parents to create a comprehensive association of those involved with the Head Start Program. These affiliates combined in 1990 to form the NHSA. Members of NHSA advocate for the Head Start program with the public as well as governmental agencies. NHSA is the "voice" of Head Start.
Started in 1975, the National Child Care Association is an organization of private childcare and early childhood facilities. NCCA is a useful network for those working in or operating licensed childcare centers. This organization provides services and conferences to promote private childcare.
The National Association of Child Care Professionals was founded in 1984. NACCP was originally an organization for directors of child care facilities. The NACCP offers continuing education in educational practices for its members. The organization also evaluates facilities for accreditation.
The Association for Childhood Education International is a global organization that strives to share information about best practices and advocates for social and educational reform. The focus of ACEI is to support children in reaching their potential. ACEI was originally founded in 1892 as the International Kindergarten Union. Its mission includes promoting the education, rights, and well-being of children.
The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, founded in 1987, is an organization that assists families in gaining access to high-quality child care. The NACCRRA provides training, best practice standards, and resources to local agencies. The organization collects, analyzes, and reports child care data and research. The NACCRRA offers parenting and child care information to families and connects them with local agencies. NACCRRA's services include the Quality Assurance Program, which is a voluntary certification system; Child Care Aware, which is a toll-free phone line and web site for families; Annual Policy Symposium; and Day on the Hill, an event that takes place in Washington DC.