The Magazine for Early Learning Community and Practice
Promoting Early
Literacy Through Research-Based Practices
Winter 2026 • Volume 1 No 4
Educating Young Children Staff Annie Moses Editor in Chief Susan Donsky Senior Editor Charity Coleman Senior Creative Design Manager Makayla Johnson Creative Design Specialist Emily Wehby Associate Editor Michelle Kang Chief Executive Officer Mark Day Chief Strategy and Growth Officer Naomi Dillon Chief Communications Officer
Alissa Mwenelupembe Chief Early Learning Quality and Research Officer
Treva Bustow Senior Director, Membership
Susan Friedman Senior Director, Publishing and Content Development
Patty Mason Director of Communications Nicole Santa Director of Marketing Codi Trump Senior Business Development Specialist
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EYC – Educating Young Children
( ISSN 3066-8891) is published quarterly( January, April, July, and October) by the National Association for the Education of Young Children( NAEYC), 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005.
Through its publications program, NAEYC provides a forum for discussion of major issues and ideas in our field. We hope to provoke thought and promote professional growth. The views expressed or implied are not necessarily those of the Association. Acceptance of advertising does not represent NAEYC’ s endorsement of any product or service, nor is NAEYC responsible for representations made by advertisers.
Copyright © 2026 by NAEYC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Cover photo courtesy of Alexis Rosales.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for each and every child, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
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Dear NAEYC members, Every child should have rich and sustained experiences that help them become readers and writers. Yet it’ s not always clear how to plan and implement these experiences in evidence-based ways. This issue of EYC begins with an interview that addresses the term science of reading. It’ s followed by an array of practical ideas for supporting early literacy development across age groups, which align with Standards 3 and 4 in NAEYC’ s Early Learning Program Standards. Also in this issue: › Learn about the journey of a NAEYC member dedicated to inclusive education for young children. › Reflect on advice for working as part of a child’ s support team. › Find out how NAEYC workforce surveys elevate members’ stories and help guide advocacy efforts. EYC begins its second volume in the spring! Your feedback can help shape what’ s to come. Be sure to fill out the feedback form, which can be accessed on page 17 or 89. And consider writing for a future theme. Visit Writing for EYC for more details and upcoming deadlines. With gratitude for all that you do, Annie Moses, EYC Editor in Chief