As we reach the midway point in NAEYC’ s centennial year, we’ re reflecting on where we’ ve been as the membership organization for tens of thousands of early childhood education professionals. We’ re also looking ahead to what’ s next and engaging in many conversations, in person, virtually, and through our new podcast, Small Talk: Big Ideas About Little Learners.

Are you listening?

Already, we are reaching thousands of listeners across the United States, Canada, and a few other countries, and I’ m so grateful for the wonderful colleagues and friends who have joined us as hosts and guests. I’ m also grateful for you, our

members and listeners. We launched this new channel to elevate your voices and your work. The trailer for our first season features many of you talking about both your challenges and the joy you find in teaching our youngest learners. Our hope is to advance to a broader audience our collective understanding of early childhood education and our shared vision of creating a world where each and every child thrives, learns, and reaches their full potential. This work is so valuable, and your voices need to be heard, especially during NAEYC’ s centennial and this election year.

4 Educating Young Children

Summer 2026