Imagine a world where personal interactions are positive, we respect one another's opinions, and we have civil conversation. Imagine yourself, as a teacher of young children, impacting the change that is possible. THAT IS THE POWER OF EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING. WHAT YOU DO MATTERS. IT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD! Research over the last 20 years has revealed that young children notice and respond to interpersonal interactions beginning at birth. This includes interactions between adults and peers, leading to relationships and on into friendships. As teachers, we have daily opportunities to impact rel ..read more

Winter is here with its chill and a sense of renewal, halfway through the school year with anticipation of longer, warmer days. These books are perfect to enjoy while appreciating the beauty and calm of winter. Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell This may be my most favorite nearly wordless book. As a Caldecott Medal winner in 2018, the illustrations tell the parallel tale of a young girl and a young wolf pup that both get lost in the snow.  Both scared, they find each other and through the bond of friendship they face the threats that come upon them as they try to find their way. In ..read more

Autumn is here, along with a new school year. As we come into new routines in our classrooms, learn about new students and families, I chose these favorite back-to-school books. Getting to know the names of classmates, the change in color of falling leaves, our school community, the family table, and nocturnal animals are all relevant topics to touch on this season. All these titles encourage rich discussion, questioning, and lead to many *extensions you can bring to the classroom. Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (2020) When everyone at school mispronounces her name on t ..read more

While the majority of VAAEYC members work in programs and centers, there is a segment of our membership that we represent that is often overlooked, Family Child Care. Many of these programs started in homes of care givers that were already caring for their own children, or extended family and neighbors’ children. These licensed programs are run and staffed by early childhood educators, who like other licensed programs participate in quality improvement, follow curriculum and work to provide consistent early care and education that supports the development and leaning of children of multiple ..read more

If you're part of VAAEYC (Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children), you're likely driven by a passion for working with young children and making a positive impact on their lives. The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential could be the key to advancing your career in early childhood education (ECE). The Council for Professional Recognition, a global leader in the credentialing of early childhood educators, ensures that the CDA® is a widely recognized and respected credential, setting the stage for your professional development journey. What is the Child Development As ..read more

As summer reading goes, I find myself looking towards the children’s literature on my bookshelves and revisiting some of the books that I recently purchased to help diversify and update our preschool library.  We often hold onto books forever, it seems, but when we think of what we are reading and sharing with young children, we must provide room for the classics yet not be afraid to share newer quality content. Rudine Sims Bishop wrote the essay about Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors within children’s literature.  This essay has provided the foundation for many great dis ..read more

10 Children's Books To Read During LGBTQ+ Pride Month Books that embrace diversity, celebrate individuality, and instill compassion. By Macaroni KID June 7, 2023- reposted with permission Article Courtesy of Macaroni KID Subscribe here: nrv.macaronikid.com/subscribe June is a vibrant and meaningful month filled with rainbow-colored joy! It all began in 1969 with the iconic Stonewall riots, a historic event that paved the way for the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. In today's world, Pride Month has evolved into a spectacular extravaganza, encompassing grand parades, lively picnics, spirited p ..read more

WEBINAR | Assessing Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Programs What's the Difference? Culturally Responsive Teaching & Learning in Early Childhood Education Assessing Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Programs An accurate and valid assessment of DLLs’ overall development is vital to the enhancement of educational services and of the program itself. This webinar will discuss the importance of child assessment in all areas of a high-quality ECE program, including environment, teaching, and learning. Register Now Presenter: Alana Dresden Thursday, June 15, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:00 ..read more

As my team and I were thinking about what to present for VAAEYC’s Annual Conference, we realized that this year’s gathering marks two years since the COVID-related shutdowns began. It’s amazing how much the education community has accomplished over the past 24 months: we’ve harnessed new technologies, we’ve transformed our teaching practices, and we’ve relied on the creativity of our peers and students to find new ways to connect with content and each other. Most importantly, we’ve recognized the importance of prioritizing our collective mental and emotional health through social-emotional lea ..read more

Get the Party Started with Greg & Steve! Greg & Steve's music says "Let's Move"! With high energy, participatory songs for children, Grammy nominated Greg & Steve have been entertaining kids, teachers, parents, and grandparents alike for over 30 years! Their singable lyrics and catchy melodies set to contemporary beats (blues, country, rock & roll, and reggae) provide a fun way to encourage movement and teach physical education. Greg & Steve’s music also reinforces basic concepts, friendship, cooperation, social-emotional development, cognitive & motor development ..read more