April News & Updates
"Spring is the time of plans and projects," Leo Tolstoy, Author
15th Annual Spring Conference
We loved seeing so many members and friends at our 15th Annual Conference last month in Westford. We had two full days of intensive professional development, saw examples of impactful work from the field in our poster session, celebrated established and emerging leaders in the field at our Excellence in Education Awards, and all made new connections to strengthen or work with children and families. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us! We are actively seeking recommendations for a new location for next year’s conference; please email me at lynn@maaeyc.org with any thoughts or suggestions. Also, be sure to check out our facebook page for pictures from the weekend! Please share any that you took, as well!
We need your VOTE! Update to our by-laws.
As MAAEYC begins planning, we need your feedback!  The Board of Directors recently revised our by-laws and we you to cast your vote for their approval. The MAAEYC is governed by a Board of Directors and these by-laws structure how we operate and make decisions. Please go here to read the by-laws and then you may cast your vote here . The biggest change that we made in the by-laws is the term of office for President-Elect, President, and Past President. The new by-laws state that the terms of President-Elect, President, and Past President feed into one another, with the entire term lasting 6 years. This change allows for consistency at this leadership level, allows for a mentor relationship between the President-Elect and President, while also leaning on the Past President for ongoing support. Voting will be open for 2 weeks.  Please cast your vote by Friday, April 20, 2018, 5pm. 
EVENTS & CHAPTER UPDATES

From Advocacy Day to Week of the Young Child, we know that this time has us thinking, planning, and, as always, playing! 


Week of the Young Child (WOYC)
The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, and families. This year's event is April 16–20, 2018! Look for ideas here and share your ideas and events on our facebook page!


Rally On The Steps of the State House on Monday, April 23rd!
Join your colleagues from across the Commonwealth at the State House to ask legislators for their continued support and increased investments for children and families.

Don’t forget to wear  GREEN  and bring artwork from children in your programs!

Schedule:
10:00 AM - Gather on the steps
10:30 AM - Speaking Program
11:15 AM - Meetings with Legislators

Contact your state Senator and Representative to schedule a meeting. To find out who your state legislators are, call or 1-800-462-VOTE, or go to the following website: www.wheredoivotema.com.
For more information, contact Amy O’Leary .
Sponsors (to date):
MADCA, Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, ABCD Boston, Jumpstart, Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children (MAAEYC), Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership, Massachusetts Association for Community Action, Massachusetts Head Start Association, Nurtury, Strategies for Children/ Early Education for All, The Children’s Workshop, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley

RSVP here to let us know if you are joining us for Advocacy Day!


Chapter Updates
If you are interested in becoming more involved in MAAEYC where you live and/or work, think about participating in our Chapters! There are currently three active chapters:

  • Worcester County
  • Essex County
  • Cape & Islands
  • Middlesex County (newly forming chapter!)

For more information, please click here and let us know which chapter you are interested in. If you would like to help create a chapter in your area, please let us know. We can help make that happen!
Volunteer ~ Network ~ Share ideas
Join a Committee

With Springtime planning, we are also recruiting new members to join our committees, as well as run for a position on our Board of Directors! The Committees that we have are: 

  • Governance Committee 
  • Membership & Technology Committee 
  • Annual Conference Committee 
  • Professional Development Committee 
  • Accreditation Committee 
  • CEU Committee 

If any of these committees interest you, or if you would like more information, please send Lynn an email. She will get back to you to share more information and find the best fit for you with MAAEYC. 


Keep your eyes open for upcoming Board elections!
For the Board, the positions that we will be voting on in June, are as follows: 

  • Vice President 
  • Treasurer 
  • Member At-Large 

MAAEYC is currently putting together a Nominating Committee, but you can also nominate yourself! Stay tuned for more information.

MAAEYC is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of its' members. Diversity is the richness of human differences. Inclusion is when everyone feels connected, valued and engaged. Please help us become more diverse and inclusive if you do not see someone like you sitting at our table. 
MAAEYC | 617.875.3313 | lynn@maaeyc.org| www.massaeyc.com