Valley of the Sun Early Childhood Association (VSECA.org) was incorporated as an Arizona non-profit 501(c)(3) in 1974 with the mission of serving children, families and educators in greater Phoenix and Maricopa County. We share a proud history of becoming the second national affiliate for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC.org). In 2017, Valley of the Sun became a Chapter of Arizona AEYC, joining our colleagues across the state of Arizona.
Contact us at: you.matter@vseca.org
Building Leaders from the Start
We believe all children have the right to a safe and accessible, high quality early childhood education that includes a developmentally appropriate curriculum; knowledgeable and well-trained program staff and educators; and comprehensive services that support their health, nutrition, and social well-being.
LEADERSHIP
Valley of the Sun Chapter AzAEYC is the foremost professional association for the early childhood field in Maricopa County. We provide professional development and foster NAEYC systems support for early child care and education professionals to advance their education and careers.
FLIP THIS PLAYGROUND
Valley of the Sun’s innovative program for Title I schools is designed to transform hardscape playgrounds into outdoor classrooms, with multiple learning centers. Please see our PROGRAMS TAB on this page.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS – LIGHT THAT FIRE!
We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children here in Arizona. Valley of the Sun Chapter hosts several events throughout the year connecting Arizona educators, administrators, and advocates in the early learning community. As Arizona professionals in the field, we rely on these events to keep our practice current, hear from local experts, communicate with legislators, build a network of trusted colleagues, and stay connected to critical conversations in early childhood education and development. Please see our EVENTS TAB on this page.
NAEYC EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
NAEYC accreditation is the gold standard for early childhood programs across the country. Families of young children who attend NAEYC-accredited programs can be confident that they deliver the highest quality early care and education. Learn More HERE
NAEYC HIGHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATION
High-quality early educators serve a vital role in ensuring all young children have equitable access to developmentally appropriate, high-quality early learning. NAEYC promotes a shared vision of excellence in the preparation of early childhood professionals through accreditation and other initiatives that are responsive to the needs of individual children and communities. NAEYC’s higher education accreditation and recognition systems provide an objective external evaluation of programs preparing early childhood professionals. Learn More HERE
NAEYC PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY
NAEYC is at the forefront in influencing local, state, and federal early childhood legislation, advocating for policies that reflect comprehensive approaches to providing equitable access to high-quality early learning, with a particular focus on children living in poverty, multilingual children, children of color, and children with disabilities. We strive to increase the public understanding of and demand for developmentally appropriate practice in programs serving children birth through age 8. Learn More HERE
Valley of the Sun Chapter AzAEYC 