Background Statement
The Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children (COAEYC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and Colorado's membership association dedicated to advancing the early childhood profession. As the Colorado affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), we are part of a national movement that sets the standard for quality, including the foundational framework of Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
Since 1968, we have served as the connective tissue for Colorado's early childhood workforce. Through our nonprofit mission, we provide affordable, accessible professional development and build a powerful community where educators, directors, and providers can find support, advocacy, and belonging. In partnership with organizations across the state, we fight for a future where every early childhood professional is valued, highly compensated, and equipped to help every child thrive.
Our work is powered by a simple, profound belief: to support Colorado's children, we must first power up the professionals who care for and educate them.
Guided by a volunteer Board of Directors from across the state and with a very lean one-part-time-person staff, we focus our efforts through our CARES model: delivering Community, Advocacy, Resources, Events, and Support directly to the field. We are committed to building an inclusive, high-performing profession where every educator feels heard, valued, and equipped to succeed.