NJAEYC Board Nomination Packet
NJAEYC has leadership opportunities available now.
If you are interested in a position on the Board of NJAEYC or know someone who might be please see the attached Nomination Packet. If you are interested in serving on one of our many committees please reach out to:
Helen Muscato: mail@njaeyc.org
Board Member Positions Available for 2019:
-President Elect
-Vice President of Membership
-Vice President of Marketing/Social Media
Forms to Submit:
1. Nomination Application
2. Current Resume
3. Two Letters of Recommendation
Your completed application and all documentation should be emailed no later than March, 25 2019 to: njaeycgovernance@gmail.com
NJAEYC Public Policy 5-Bullet-Point Friday-March 2019
Hi All!
Here is our monthly dose of “5-Bullet-Point Friday,” a list of NJAEYC public policy stuff we think you might be interested in.
Anything that is BLUE, just click on it for more details
What’s going on in the US – The Decennial Census happens every ten years. The Constitution requires that every person in the United States be counted-adults, children and babies, citizens, immigrants, or visitors. Census Day will be April 1, 2020.
The Casey Foundation’s 2018 KIDS COUNT® Data Book warns that the 2020 census is mired in challenges that could shortchange the official census count by at least 1 million kids younger than age 5. This discrepancy would put hundreds of millions of federal dollars at risk and, in doing so, underfund programs that are critical for family stability and opportunity.
For a deeper dive:
What’s going on in NJ –
As our state moves towards raising the state’s minimum wage, it could have a huge impact on Early Childhood Education, as it could impact things like wages for ECE workers, tuition costs for centers and families, and/or families’ eligibility for state/federal assistance programs.
Here’s an article worth checking out: Lawmakers mull ‘unintended consequences of minimum wage hike
What’s coming up-The Public Policy Team is very excited to announce that we have been awarded a grant from The Nicholson Foundation to work toward our public policy goals in 2019.
Our first project was taking a team of people to Washington DC for the Public Policy Forum Feb. 24- 26.
If you would like to be part of any of the Public Policy Team’s initiatives or activities, please check out the attachment and contact us at njaeycadvocacy@gmail.com if interested.
Something you might like –
In lieu of talks around Power to the Profession, universal pre-k and pre-k expansion in New Jersey, here’s an interesting read: Putting Degrees Within Reach – Strategies for Financing Early Educator Degrees
Quote we’re pondering –
“I realized if you can change a classroom, you can change a community, and if you change enough communities you can change the world.” – Erin Gruwell
2019 Month of the Young Child Grant Appication
Invites all current members to apply for a grant to help fund your 2019 Month of the Young Child Event
NJAEYC is offering a grant (up to $500) to encourage NJAEYC members to organize activities for MOYC. The event should promote awareness of young children, their families, and the early childhood programs that serve them.
Grants will be awarded to selected NJAEYC members for their celebration planned for Month of the Young Child during April 2019. Non-members may join at www.naeyc.org/membership in order to apply for this grant.
Please submit the attached application and your event flyer by March 7, 2019 for consideration. Successful applicants will be notified by March 31, 2019.
By signing the application the recipient acknowledges that any funds received from NJAEYC will be used for a MOYC activity. Any funds that remain will be returned to NJAEYC. If approved, the recipient will submit a final report, including pictures by May5, 2019. Reports and photos may be used on the NJAEYC website.
If you have any questions, please contact Helen Muscato at mail@njaeyc.org completed applications should be emailed to mail@njaeyc.org
Click here to download Grant Applcation
NJAEYC Public Policy 5-Bullet-Point Friday-February 2019
5 Bullet-Point Friday
February 2019
Hi All!
Here is our monthly dose of “5-Bullet-Point Friday,” a list of NJAEYC public policy stuff we think you might be interested in.
Anything that is BLUE, just click on it for more details
What’s going on in the US – As childcare funding is a huge bi-partisan topic in Washington, here are two resources to help understand some of the key elements in the discussion.
- Watch this video to learn how funding for child care is making a difference across the country, and why Congress must do more to make quality, affordable child care a reality.
- Click here for an article entitled, Understanding the True Cost of Child Care for Infants and Toddlers
What’s going on in NJ –The Advocacy Changes Things Team (ACT) has gone live. Last month, we welcomed new state legislators and introduced ourselves in hopes to educate and partner around Early Childhood Education initiatives (see below for more details about ACT Team).
We have 25 out of 40 districts and are still looking for people to help us out in Districts 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13, 20, 21, 26, 29, 30, 33, 35, 38, & 40). Clink here for a link that connects districts to NJ Counties and Towns.
Contact us at njaeycadvocacy@gmail.com if interested.
What’s coming up-The Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development (DHS/DFD) currently has scholarship funds available to support individuals employed by centers that participate in the state’s Child Care Subsidy Program.
If you have questions or need help accessing the scholarship, please call the NJ Workforce Registry at 1-877-522-1050 or email NJWorkforceRegistry@pcgus.com
Please share this information with others that might not know these funds are available.
Something you might like –
Trauma’s Tragedy and Treatment is a five-part video series that explores how childhood trauma can impact a person for decades to come. The series delves into how Newark is trying to become a trauma-informed city by 2020.
Quote we’re pondering –
“Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” – Maya Angelou
The A.C.T. Team is a collection of NJAEYC members from each NJ legislative district who have committed to communicating with our legislators when Early Childhood Education (ECE) issues are either being voted on or are getting ready to be voted on.
The general idea is that we will send you a short non-partisan blurb from NJAEYC for you to personalize and forward by phone, email, or letter to the legislator in the district you live. Sometimes it will be a thank you, sometimes it will be educational, sometimes it will be asking them to support something.
Legislators prefer to hear directly from people who vote for them, not just from state wide leaders of organizations like NJAEYC. Our hope is that this type of semi-regular contact will help our overall relationship at the state level.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
NJAEYC Public Policy Team
NJAEYC Public Policy 5-Bullet-Point Friday-January 2019
Here is our monthly dose of “5-Bullet-Point Friday,” a list of NJAEYC public policy stuff we think you might be interested in.
Anything that is BLUE, just click on it for more details
What’s going on in the US – Early education is one of the few issues with bipartisan support. Congress last year nearly doubled the amount of Child Care and Development Block Grant(CCDBG) funding, while also boosting appropriations for Head Start and sustaining the Preschool Development Grant program.
At last year’s Public Policy Forum, we were able to be part of this conversation!
Interesting in going to this year’s Public Policy Forum?
It’s in Washington, DC – Sunday February 24-Tuesday, February 26, 2019.
Registration ends January 25th.
If interested, please email us at njaeycadvocacy@gmail.com
What’s going on in NJ –NJAEYC is excited to be working with Zero to Three to advocate for affordable, accessible and high quality care for New Jersey’s infants and toddlers. This spring we will be bringing our concerns about Infant and Toddler quality and the needs of our infant/toddler professionals to Trenton to meet with our State Legislators and we want you to join us!
We are looking for members to come with us to present their stories. We need infant and toddler teachers, directors and parents. If you or someone you know fits this description and is passionate about bringing change to their field, sign up to join us.
Worried about what you would say? We have you covered. Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) will partner with us to hold an advocacy meeting in January to go over talking points! Email us at njaeycadvocacy@gmail.com for an invite to the meeting…. dinner will be served!
Start the New Year off right and be an advocate because advocacy changes things!
What’s coming up-In 2019, the NJAEYC Public Policy team is going to be more active than we have been in a few years. If you are interested helping to plan, organize, communicate, train, facilitate, brainstorm, or whatever else, let us know and jump in. Here’s some of what we are working on:
- Send monthly A.C.T. team communications with legislators
- Public Policy Forum in Washington DC in February
- Hire Public Policy Intern
- Work on Think Babies Campaign with State Partners
- Facilitate Public Policy discussions at NJAEYC Conferences
- Host Power to the Profession Discussions around NJ
- Visit Rhode Island’s NAEYC Advocacy Day in May
- Visit Delaware’s NAEYC Advocacy Day in May
- Take a Tour of Trenton to plan for a NJAEYC Advocacy Day 2020
Something you might like –
You could argue that some of the most important changes in the world, such as the end of the slave trade or votes for women, were achieved through advocacy. Knowing how to do it well is crucial for people who want to shape our world for the better. When advocacy works well it can be transformative!
Click here on an interesting article: Why 2019 is a Critical Year for Child Care.
Click here for seconds:
Effective Advocacy 101: How to Bring about Change in Five Steps.
Quote we’re pondering –
From last year’s participants at the Public Policy Forum:
- “Go! It is an incredible experience that you will regret if you miss it.”
- “Everyone, from first-time advocates to lobbyists, walks away from this forum with more confidence and expertise.”
- “Your voice must be heard and the Forum will give you the tools to do so.”
- “You will be amazed at what you will learn in this short period of time. We need you.”
- “This experience is transformative! You owe it to yourself to attend.”
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
NJAEYC Public Policy Team
NJAEYC Public Policy 5-Bullet Friday- November 2018
Hi All!
Here is our monthly dose of “5-Bullet Friday,” a list of NJAEYC public policy stuff we think you might be interested in.
Anything that is BLUE, just click on it for more details
What’s going on in the US – Ballotpedia connects people with politics by changing the way they access the information they need to be informed about federal, state, and local politics. Their content includes neutral, accurate, and verifiable information on government officials and the offices they hold, political issues and public policy, elections, candidates, and the influencers of politics. Here’s a couple of items regarding NJ voting this November:
What’s going on in NJ –The Department of Human Services announced an expansion of funding for child care by $38 million, with infant care as a priority. NJAEYC Public Policy Team has been very active this past year at hearing and meetings, advocating for our members, centers, and children about these topics.Click here for the full article and additional information.
What’s coming up-We had a great response at the Annual Conference for our Advocacy Changes Things Team (A.C.T.). Thanks to all who signed up!The A.C.T. Team is a collection of NJAEYC members from each NJ legislative district who have committed to communicating with our legislators when Early Childhood Education issues are either voted on or are getting ready to be voted on.The general idea is that we will send you a short non-partisan blurb from NJAEYC for you to personalize and forward by phone, email, or letter to the legislator in the district you live. Sometimes it will be a thank you, sometimes it will be educational, sometimes it will be an ask. They prefer to hear directly from people who vote on them then only from state wide leaders of organizations like NJAEYC.We have 25 of 40 districts covered and are in need of help for the following districts to be filled: 3,4,7,10,13,19,20,21,26,29,30,33,35,38,40.If you need to know what district you live in, click here.If interested, please email us at publicpolicy@njaeyc.org
Something you might like –
“Why Do Parents Spend So Much on Child Care, Yet Early Childhood Educators Earn So Little?” is an excellent short video (3 minutes) developed by The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment to explain why parents cannot afford to pay and educators cannot afford to stay, and proposes a solution for a better way to support children, their families and early educators
Quote we’re pondering –
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
NJAEYC Public Policy 5-Bullet Friday- October 2018
Hi All!
Here is our monthly dose of “5-Bullet Friday,” a list of NJAEYC public policy stuff we think you might be interested in.
Anything that is BLUE, just click on it for more details
What’s going on in the US – President Trump has signed the spending package financing early childhood, K-12, and higher education for Fiscal Year 2019. Check out the AFEE newsletter from earlier in the week for details on the money – AND know that it means good news for CCDBG funding in your states.
Here’s some more info on the Preschool Development Grants
What’s going on in NJ –Following the NJDOE Round 2 announcements, there are now 110 communities with access to state-funded, full-day pre-k.
What’s coming up-Come visit us at the Public Policy Table at the NJAEYC Annual Conference on Oct 19-20. We would love to talk to you about some upcoming activities we are doing and to see if any of you would like join us in Washington DC this year at our Public Policy Forum.
Something you might like –
Here’s an article that looks at the workforce crisis in the US that is prompting the child care industry to use business tactics that resemble Wall Street more than Sesame Street. We highlight this to continue to show how important our advocacy work is for our students and families, but also for the child care centers.
Quote we’re pondering –
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
NJAEYC Public Policy Team
NJAEYC Public Policy 5-Bullet Friday- September 2018
Hi All!
Here is our monthly dose of “5-Bullet Friday,” a list of NJAEYC public policy stuff we think you might be interested in.
Anything that is BLUE, just click on it for more details
What’s going on in the US – KIDS COUNT is a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and a premier source of data on children and families. Each year, the Foundation produces a comprehensive report – the KIDS COUNT Data Book – that assesses child well-being in the United States. The indicators featured in the Data Book are also available in the Data Center. Click here for results based on location.
What’s going on in NJ –NJDOE announced the newest pre-k expansion school districts! Click here for info about the Round 1 communities NJDOE selected to start pre-k by Oct 2018.
More districts will be announced by NJDOE (Round 2) in early Oct for start in Jan 2019.
What’s coming up-NJAEYC is a proud partner in New Jersey’s Right from the Start campaign and a proud partner of the national ZERO TO THREE Think Babies campaign to promote enriching early experiences and a strong foundation for development from the start.
ACNJ is leading this in NJ and compiled a report from parents about the challenges parents of infants-toddlers face when trying to find safe, reliable and affordable quality child care in New Jersey, through a series of focus groups and interviews. Below is a snapshot of what they said. Read the report.
Have your own child care story? Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you to continue to make the case for infant and toddler child care needs in NJ. Click here to share your story.
Something you might like –
Here’s a few children’s books on advocacy: One Word from Sophia & If you plant a seed.
Quote we’re pondering –
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
NJAEYC Public Policy Team
NJAEYC Public Policy 5-Bullet Friday- August 2018
Here is our monthly dose of “5-Bullet Friday,” a list of NJAEYC public policy stuff we think you might be interested in.
Anything that is BLUE, just click on it for more details
What’s going on in the US – America for Early Ed turns 1 year old. Prior to the 2016 Presidential election, supported by the extraordinary support of our members and Affiliates, NAEYC launched Early Ed for President, our first non-partisan electoral advocacy campaign.
Reaching over 6 million people, Early Ed for President elevated the conversation around early childhood education and educators in the context of national, state, and local elections. Here’s a great summary of ways to get involved with this movement.
What’s going on in NJ –For the first time ever, the 2018 New Jersey Kids Count report-Babies Count, breaks down the data on child well-being to focus on children under age 3, tracking how well infants and toddlers are doing, who they are and the challenges they face
What’s coming up-On Aug 3, NJ DOE set Round 2 of pre-k expansion funding!! There are 114 districts on the list – and one of them could be yours! Key deadlines are Aug 10 (projected enrollment) and Aug 16 (mandatory TA mtg). PLS CONTACT NJ DOE DIRECTLY.
If interested, we recommend signing up on Pre-K Our Way’s mailing list.
Also, here’s an interesting article from a national perspective on pre-k expansion.
NJAEYC is planning another Pre-K Expansion panel in September. Stay tuned for more details.
Something you might like –
Here’s a good read on ‘Who’s Caring for Latino Children?’
This article looks at some ideas around the gaps in education for students who come from households that don’t speak English, specifically the Hispanic population.
Quote we’re pondering –
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” ~Maya Angelou
Public Policy Urgent Notice
As most of you know the State Budget includes significant funding for early childhood; Including Pre-K Expansion.
Although the districts are not named yet, there is a mandatory meeting for all interested districts on July 13th at 9:30 p.m.
1.5 Technical Assistance Workshop The Division of Early Childhood Education will host a mandatory face-to-face Technical Assistance (TA) Workshop for all Preschool Education Expansion Aid (PEEA) applicants.
The workshop is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 13, 2018, at the New Jersey Department of Education, 100 River View Plaza, Trenton, NJ, first floor conference room.It is recommended that districts identify a team of administrators to participate in the technical assistance workshop. Districts are required to send a minimum of one representative district staff member in order to be eligible to apply.
Pre-registration is required. Register online by July 10, 2018.
Now is the time to contact your superintendent to be sure your district and your program are ready for the next round of funding.
THE NOTIFICATION OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT:
Events
2019 Month of the Young Child Grant Appication
Invites all current members to apply for a grant to help fund your 2019 Month of the Young Child... more»
SAVE THE DATE: 2019 Conference
Please save the date in your calendar!
Date: October 18-19, 2019
Location: DoubleTree Hotel,... more»
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