History

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Nursery Education Associations, as they were referred to in 1926, were created over seventy years ago as a result of dedicated nursery school professionals who gathered together in order to share and disseminate information and support for this emerging profession known as child care. In California, the Associations were divided into Northern and Southern California Associations for Nursery Education and developed separately until 1955 when both sections came together as CANE (California Association for Nursery Education) at the first annual meeting of the board of directors, presided by Elizabeth Woods, the first state president.

In 1966, CANE saw an increased scope of membership and adopted a new name that reflected the goals of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and became the California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAAEYC).

Following more than 50 years of growth and development, CAAEYC has become a vital force uniting educators of young children and advocating for political and professional leadership. CAAEYC sponsors an annual state conference bringing together providers of service across the state as well as leaders from 18 chapters statewide and dozens of partner organizations.

CAAEYC is a nonprofit corporation under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code governed by a statewide Board of Directors, which derives its authority from the CAAEYC Bylaws. The State of California Franchise Tax Board grants CAAEYC tax-exempt status under Section 237010d of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

Affiliation

The California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAAEYC), founded in 1953, has more than 3,500 members in 18 chapters statewide. CAAEYC is the state affiliate for California to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in Washington, D.C.

Services

• Sponsors the Annual State Conference (rotating north and south)
• Sponsors the California Forum for Professional Development
  
• Publisher of the CAAEYC Newsletter - eConnections
• Provider of information on parenting, advocacy, research, credentialing, child care, salary and status, regulations, professional development and children’s education
• Job Board
  

Past Presidents