Early Childhood Education

Nonprofit, global network of individuals and institutions committed to worldwide literacy that supports literacy professionals, strives to mprove the quality of reading instruction, disseminates research about reading, and encourages the lifetime reading habit.

Association for individuals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide a wide variety of extended learning opportunities and care during out-of-school hours.

National professional organization devoted to representing both English language learners and bilingual education professionals.

Founded in 1926, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of more than 300 state and local Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations.

National membership organization dedicated to rendering support and assistance to those preparing for or teaching in the field of special education.

Smart Start was created by the North Carolina Department of Education 1993 to test and promote innovative solutions to the problem of children coming to school “unready to learn.” In 2006 Smart Start’s efforts were expanded through the Ready Schools Initiative grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.

Professional trade association whose focus is on insuring opportunities for licensed, private early childhood care organizations to provide services including subsidized child care, Head Start, state pre-k programs and professional development.

CAEP (formerly the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)) is the teaching profession’s mechanism to help establish high quality teacher preparation through professional accreditation of schools, colleges and departments of education.

The ECL serves as a model early childhood program in the community. Programs offered for children 6 weeks to 5 years include Infant/Toddler Classes, Young Preschool Classes, and Preschool Classes. The ECL teachers serve as instructors for college courses, and trainers and presenters for other child care workers.
The ECL serves as a teacher-training site for future early childhood teachers. University students learn about becoming teachers of young children through observation, participation, and teaching experiences.
The ECL serves as a site for research in child development and early childhood education. ECL children are occasionally involved in research projects conducted by university students. Prior to such involvement, parents are informed about the nature, purpose, and procedures of a given study. Consent from parents is essential before any child participates.

Membership is available to students, substitute teachers and educational support staff as well as classroom teachers.

NHSA's mission has changed from simply defending Head Start in Congress to actively expanding and improving the program. Membership types have been created for Head Start agencies, Head Start state and regional associations, and both commercial and nonprofit organizations.

Conducts and communicates research to support high quality, effective, early childhood education for all young children.

Federal agency that provides training and technical assistance to States, Territories, Tribes, and local communities.

Information clearinghouse for child care providers, parents, consultants and regulators--disseminating best practices in early childhood education.

Check here for updates on North Carolina's pre-kindergarten program.

Implements quality standards, increases access for families, and collaborates to promote enhanced service delivery of child care and education across North Carolina.

Established in the state in 1993 as a result of NAEYC’s national effort, the Institute supports the development of a better educated child care workforce to provide healthy, safe and stimulating environments and experiences for young North Carolina children and their families.

Educational Testing Service (ETS) provides licensure and test practice information as well as links to the certification requirements in each state. Find out which tests will be needed, get ready for the test and sign up for a test date and location through this site.

Follow the "PROGRAMS BY SUBJECT" link to find target areas such as "After School Programs," Early Intervention," "Family Literacy," "Preschool" and more.

National nonprofit organization that informs, trains and supports professionals, policymakers and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.