A Birthday Card for NAEYC

As NAEYC marks its 100th year, the centennial has become more than a milestone— it has become a shared expression of gratitude, memory, and connection across the early childhood education field. Affiliates, educators, higher education partners, and families are finding meaningful ways to celebrate the profession and the people who make early learning possible every day.

One example comes from the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children( PennAEYC), where a simple idea grew into a widely embraced centennial activity. This NAEYC Affiliate created a“ doodle-a-note” birthday card activity for outreach tables, conferences, student events, and community gatherings. The prompt was simple: People were invited to share a message, memory, or birthday wish for NAEYC.

Participation was immediate. Early childhood educators, higher education faculty, students, families, and event vendors have all taken part. Some groups have created large, collaborative cards; others have encouraged individual reflections.

Centennial celebrations have taken many forms. Community gatherings, recognition events, student engagement activities, and program celebrations have all highlighted the joy and legacy of early childhood education. Together, these efforts reflect a shared truth: The strength of our field has always come from the people who show up for children and for one another.

10 Educating Young Children

Fall 2026