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.
Add Your Name Today!
As state budget negotiations enter their final month, please add your name to our petition telling lawmakers to SAVE THE WORKFORCE BEHIND THE WORKFORCE and invest in child care wages!
The Pennsylvania child care sector is in crisis. Unlivable wages of less than $12.50/hr. in this sector are causing a historic workforce shortage that is closing classrooms and driving up wait lists for working mothers and families. Child care providers can’t raise teacher wages because families are already struggling to afford the costs of care. They are also struggling to compete in the labor market, with many sectors offering $20+/hr. for positions that don't require the same levels of education or training.
Start Strong PA is asking the Pennsylvania General Assembly to directly invest in a wage scale for child care teachers based on their qualifications. This direct action is needed to recruit and retain qualified teachers. Child care is the “workforce behind the workforce” and as such, the staffing crisis in the child care industry compounds staffing shortages across other sectors.
Please add your name to the petition by Friday, June 2, 2023!
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.