Educating Young Children Volume 1 - Winter 2026 | Page 40

have several quality initiatives that all feed into a statewide system of quality improvement.”

CTAEYC applied through a competitive process and was awarded contracts [ CS: IS from THERE the BRANDING state of Connecticut FOR WOYC to support THAT SHOULD its QIS for licensed ACCOMPANY and license-exempt THIS BLURB family?] child care homes and centers. The QIS, called Elevate, contracts with CTAEYC to provide

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› Consultation support for early childhood programs. This includes Join us supporting for NAEYC’ s licensing 2025 Week regulation of the compliance Young Child, ® providing celebration professional April 5 – 11! Our development annual event to, programs started in to 1971 support, celebrates accreditation early from learning NAEYC, young and children the National, their Association teachers, and for families Family. Child Learn Care,

and more navigating about WOYC state-funded activities grant, proclamations / contract requirements, and daily themes. at [ URL TO COME ]. Follow and engage with us on social media

› Management using the hashtag of the

# statewide WOYC2025

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, states for, and early nation. childhood professionals and programs in Connecticut that are seeking to improve their quality.

› Free coaching, consultation, and professional development for family child care providers through the Staffed Family Child Care Network. CTAEYC offers these services in four of Connecticut’ s six regions.

› Certified assessors who complete environmental rating scales for early childhood providers.

Advice for Other Affiliates

Rainville’ s advice to Affiliate leaders curious about securing contracts with their states is to“ Jump in! It’ s a great way to grow and bring visibility to the Affiliate. It can also bring opportunities your way!”

She also urges Affiliate leaders to rely on NAEYC’ s Affiliate Network.“ Affiliate leaders are here to help and want to mentor new leaders. It’ s our way to pay it forward,” she says.“ Don’ t be afraid to reach out to us. We are here to help each other along the way.”

Photograph: courtesy of CTAEYC Copyright © 2026 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. See permissions and reprints online at NAEYC. org / resources / permissions.