Teaching for Children’ s Well-Being and Expression Summer 2026 • Volume 2 No 2
Educating Young Children Staff
Annie Moses Editor in Chief Susan Donsky Senior Editor Charity Coleman Senior Creative Design Manager Gillian Frank Senior Creative Design Specialist Makayla Johnson Creative Design Specialist Emily Wehby Associate Editor 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 Kiri Laurelle Davis.
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,
Every day, early childhood educators support the foundation of children’ s ongoing learning and development. This issue of Educating Young Children shines a spotlight on children’ s health, well-being, and creative expression. These are meaningful areas that educators integrate into their teaching, but they don’ t always receive the attention they deserve.
You’ ll discover stories of how educators came together with children, colleagues, administrators, families, and local communities to encourage children’ s healthy habits, movement, creativity, and self-expression. As you read, consider one new idea you can bring to life in your setting.
You’ ll also find advice from a NAEYC member on growing into a leadership role. Reflect on your own path, celebrate how far you’ ve come, and imagine where your professional journey might go next.
Finally, think about the stories and encouragement you might share with others. Take a look at the guidelines for Writing for EYC or the nomination form for Professional Journeys, and contribute today!
With gratitude for all you do, Annie Moses, EYC Editor in Chief