Who We Are

PennAEYC is an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is a dynamic membership organization of early childhood care and education professionals.

Our mission is to be an effective voice for high-quality early childhood care and education. We do this through policy development, advocacy and professional development and supports for early childhood professionals.

PennAEYC's vision is that each and every Pennsylvania family will have access to high-quality, affordable early childhood care and education opportunities for their children provided by a profession that is valued, well compensated and supported.

Thank PA Lawmakers for Prioritizing ECE!

The 2026-27 state budget is now final, and we have YOU to thank for the progress we secured for Pennsylvania's youngest children, their families, and the early learning workforce. Because of your thousands of calls, emails, messages and meetings, lawmakers in Harrisburg heard loud and clear that early care and education is a priority for families across the Commonwealth. Your advocacy made the difference. While these investments are modest, they are meaningful, and they build on last year's historic funding for child care.

Now we need your help again, this time to say thank you. 

Please thank Governor Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Davis, and the members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly who voted YES on the final 2026-27 budget. Your gratitude reinforces that their support for early care and education matters and will help keep early learning at the top of their agenda. You can use the message below or personalize it with your own story.

group around pennaeyc table at 2023 awards ceremony
  • About Us

    We are an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and a dynamic membership organization of early care and education professionals.

  • Membership

    A professional membership with PennAEYC is the best way to stay connected to the latest information, action and research about early care and education.

  • Our Work

    We are steadfast in the vision that every child in Pennsylvania has the equal opportunity to be a successful, responsible, and productive member of society as a result of their early childhood experiences.

  • Policy & Advocacy

    Become an informed and educated advocate, your voice matters! Learn more about state and federal policies that impact early care and education and what you can do to share your voice.

  • Quality

    Early childhood experiences are critical in the healthy education and development of young children. Learn more about quality early care and education.