About AEYC-MO

AEYC-MO connects early childhood professionals across Missouri.

The Association for the Education of Young Children of Missouri (AEYC-MO) was established as a state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in the 1960s. Serving those who work with and on behalf of young children, AEYC-MO was an all-volunteer organization until September 1999.

For 40 years, AEYC-MO has provided access to resources, advocacy information, and professional development opportunities to its members. Additionally, it has served as a communications link among local AEYC affiliates in Missouri, and between these affiliates and Midwest and National AEYC.

Mission
AEYC-MO, an organization for early childhood professionals, fosters excellence in early childhood systems and programs through advocacy, education, and professional development.

Vision
Missouri invests in early childhood education to ensure that every child is prepared for and succeeds in school.

Values
AEYC-MO holds as its highest values:

• Customer service

• The voices of professionals

• Diversity

• The potential of every individual

• Relationships of mutual respect

• Early childhood educators as professionals

• Best practices in early childhood education

• Healthy development of children

• Collaboration/community building

History
In 1996, the organization developed goals, objectives and strategies in the areas of organizational effectiveness, professional growth and development, and public policy/advocacy. In early 1999, the AEYC-MO Governing Board achieved several of these goals with the opening of a state office and the hiring of an executive director. Successful implementation of many of these goals has resulted in improved membership support, especially in the area of advocacy.

Beginning in 2000, the board responded to NAEYC’s national plan for restructuring the organization from top to bottom, which required application for re-affiliation by all state affiliates. By July of 2002, the board had reorganized the state structure to move from 13 local affiliate chapters to four, covering the whole state, and had adopted a new, streamlined board composition and structure. By the end of 2003, AEYC-MO had developed new policies and procedures for operations, financial management, programs and services, membership, and continuing organizational development. Having met all the new standards set for re-affiliation, AEYC-MO was again granted affiliate status by NAEYC in March 2004.

A significant aspect of the standards for re-affiliation was the development of an outcomes-based strategic plan. In July 2003, the AEYC-MO board approved a three-year strategic plan for implementation in 2004 - 2006. The plan includes 10-15 year outcomes with measurable indicators, three-year goals, and one-year objectives. Outcomes and goals cover Financial and Business Administration, Professional Development, Marketing/Public Relations, Membership, Public Policy and Communications, Governance, Leadership, and Affiliate Relations.