Growing as an Early Childhood Professional Fall 2026 • Volume 2 No 3
Educating Young Children Staff
Annie Moses Editor in Chief Susan Donsky Senior Editor Emily Wehby Managing Editor Charity Coleman Senior Creative Design Manager Gillian Frank Senior Creative Design Specialist Makayla Johnson Creative Design Specialist Elizabeth You Associate Editor Michelle Kang Chief Executive 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 Taunya Sims.
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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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Dear NAEYC members,
From first-year educators to seasoned professionals, you are always learning, exploring, and refining what you do. But professional growth doesn’ t happen in isolation or overnight.
This issue of Educating Young Children explores how educators grow throughout their careers and how they strengthen their work with children, families, and each other. Hear from the following educators and more:
› An early career educator about navigating the first year of teaching
› A cohort of extended day teachers about implementing anti-bias practices
› Mentors helping preservice and in-service educators listen more closely to children
You’ ll also find the latest news from NAEYC and its Affiliates along with the inspiring professional journey of a NAEYC member and advice for becoming an advocate.
What advice would you like to share? Consider writing for EYC or submitting a Professional Journeys nomination. Your story can help spark new ideas for others throughout their careers.
With gratitude for all you do, Annie Moses, EYC Editor in Chief