Paulette was just beginning her early childhood education career when I dropped my infant son off at a program in Rockville, Maryland, 18 1 / 2 years ago. When I returned to the program recently, now in my role as NAEYC’ s CEO, I was thrilled to see Paulette was still there— still bubbly, energetic, amazing. When she saw me, she cried; when I showed her pictures of my son today, she gushed:“ He’ s so big! He’ s a man now!”

In that moment, I reflected once again on the important role Paulette and her colleagues played in my son’ s early care and development and how early childhood education programs everywhere serve as the launch pads that start our children on

their journeys to lifelong learning. Like Paulette, you change lives every day, not only for children but also for families like mine. We have learned so much from you, and I am so appreciative that you have committed yourselves to lifelong learning as well.

So as NAEYC marks its 100th year, I hope you will join the celebration by continuing to access the latest learning opportunities through your NAEYC membership portal. Read about the latest research and practice in our peer-reviewed journal, Young Children

4 Educating Young Children

Spring 2026