Florida Association for the Education of Young Children Supports Educators as the New School Year Begins

As Florida students head back to school, much of the attention is on K-12 classrooms, but the foundation for that success begins years earlier with the educators who care for and teach children before they ever enter kindergarten. With school starting again, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the essential role of educators and education and the critical,
lifelong impact of supporting younger children at the start of their educational journeys.

For 70 years, the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC) has been a champion of Florida’s earliest childhood educators, connecting more than 2,500 professionals across 66 Florida counties into one statewide network to strengthen education for the state’s young children. FLAEYC’s support of the profession directly bolsters children in classrooms, families and the workforce, leading to happier lives as kids become adults.

The organization’s mission is important for many reasons, including that about 90 percent of a child’s brain develops by age five. The educational and broader influences during this period often last a lifetime, which is why FLAEYC serves early childhood professionals so they can help provide the best possible outcomes for Florida’s children.

FLAEYC’s efforts include professional development, accreditation support, advocacy, and a statewide community, helping educators grow in their careers and bring their voices forward to help shape early childhood education. Visit www.flaeyc.org to learn more about the organization.