Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC)

?? FLAEYC Conference registration opens April 1st—and if you’re planning to attend, this is the moment to act. ?? Early bird pricing ?? Buy 6 full registrations, get 1 free ?? That’s over $400 in savings for teams traveling together. This isn’t just another conference. It’s where early childhood professionals gather to reconnect, recharge, and grow—together. You saw the teaser... and yes, the keynotes are worth the hype. Make sure you’re one of the first to register. ?? October 17–19 | Orlando, FL ?? Check out the keynote speakers today, link in the comments! #FLAEYC2025 #ECEConference #StepUpForECE #ProfessionalDevelopment #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LeadershipThroughLearning

Some days in early childhood education feel impossibly heavy. → When you’re understaffed but still show up with a smile. → When you’re balancing licensing, lesson plans, and lunch duty. → When you’re pouring everything into your children—and wondering if anyone notices. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying it all alone… We want you to know: You’re not. That’s why Every Step Counts exists. It’s not just a fundraiser. It’s a movement. An invitation to walk—literally and symbolically—in support of the educators who hold our youngest learners every single day. This April, we’re walking for early childhood professionals across Florida. For those who teach through tantrums, advocate without applause, and lead with heart. Whether you’re an educator, a director, a trainer, or simply someone who believes in the power of early childhood—you’re invited to walk with us. You won’t just be counting steps. You’ll be showing someone they’re not alone. ?? April 5–11, 2025 ?? Team registration is open now ?? Link to register is in the comments #FLAEYC #EveryStepCounts #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ECELeadership #SupportECE #YouAreNotAlone #StepUpForECE

In early childhood education, pressure is mounting—faster academics, higher benchmarks, earlier outcomes. But we know that real progress starts with strong foundations—and we believe in honoring the journey. That’s why we created Every Step Counts—to support early childhood educators and celebrate the power of intentional, meaningful progress. Join the movement. Support quality. Because in this field, progress isn’t a leap—it’s a climb. And every step truly does count. ?? Link in the comments. #EveryStepCounts #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ECELeadership #SupportECE #DevelopmentallyAppropriatePractice

You’ve already changed lives—are you ready to change the field? FLAEYC is now accepting proposals for our 2025 Annual Conference. We’re looking for bold, thoughtful, and inspiring ECE leaders ready to challenge the status quo and elevate early learning across Florida. Your session could spark conversations that ripple through classrooms, programs, and communities. ?? Submit your proposal by April 30, 2025 ?? Link in Comments Let’s shape the future—together. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ECELeadership #FLAEYC2025 #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationConference #ECEVoices

Week of the Young Child?, our annual event celebrates early learning, young children, their teachers, and families. Each day highlights a fun theme that you can make your own! Make sure to use the hashtag #WOYC25 to share all the fun you do in your programs to uplift and celebrate young children and their families! A few things you can do to prepare for WOYC: ? Visit NAEYC.org/events/woyc ? Visit our WOYC Activity Resources page for inspiration ? Check out your local NAEYC Affiliate to see what they have planned for #WOYC25 ? Proclaim Week of the Young Child in your area by using the "Whereas & Therefore: #WOYC25 Proclamations to Advance the ECE Profession" toolkit

There’s something happening right now that could reshape child care funding in Florida. But it won’t work without your voice. The Children's Movement of Florida is collecting real data from ECE directors to show policymakers what it really costs to run a quality child care program. → This is about facts. → This is about funding. → This is about the future of early learning. The survey is open now—but only until April 2nd. If you’ve ever felt like decision-makers don’t understand the realities of your work, this is your chance to help change that. ?? Link to the survey is in the comments. #FLAEYC #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ECELeadership #ChildCareFunding #FloridaECE #BeTheVoice #ECEAdvocacy

In early childhood education, the weight of responsibility can feel enormous. → Families are counting on us. → Children are counting on us. → Our teams, our schools, our communities—all look to us to lead, to nurture, to care. It’s a beautiful calling. But it can feel heavy. That’s why it’s essential to step back… and reconnect. Because sometimes the best thing we can do for others—is take a walk that reminds us how small we are in the grand scheme of things. A quiet moment. A breath of fresh air. A reminder that you’re not alone. And this April, we invite you to walk with us. Every Step Counts is a week-long movement that combines reflection, wellness, and purpose—while raising funds to uplift early educators across Florida. ?? April 5–11 ?? Team registration is now open ?? Link to register is in the comments #FLAEYC #EveryStepCounts #EarlyChildhoodEducation #MentalHealthInEducation #LeadershipThroughWellness #ECEWellbeing

How do child care centers grow on social media? It’s a question more directors are asking—because visibility leads to enrollment. And in today’s world, your online presence is often your first impression. But let’s be honest: Most directors don’t have a marketing team. They’re managing classrooms, staff, and families—while trying to post content that works. That’s why this month’s FLAEYC Connection Newsletter includes a FREE Social Media Playbook for early childhood leaders. → Posting prompts → Captions you can copy → A 4-week content calendar → ChatGPT prompts to save time ?? The next issue drops TOMORROW March 25—sign up before then to get the guide. ?? Link in comments. Because the right tools can turn one good post into real growth. #FLAEYC #ChildcareMarketing #SocialMediaForECE #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FLAEYCConnection #EnrollmentGrowth

Visibility matters. Parents aren’t just searching for childcare. They’re searching for trust, connection, and credibility— in-person AND online. Here’s what the data tells us: → Over 70% of parents use social media to guide decisions about their child’s care. → 90% of millennial moms look to social media for parenting advice. → Most families spend over 2.5 hours on social media every day. If your center isn't showing up—you may be missing out. That’s why this month’s FLAEYC Connection Newsletter is focused on social media growth for childcare centers. And it comes with a FREE Social Media Playbook to help you: ? Increase engagement ? Save time with ready-to-use ideas ? Attract more families to your center But here’s the catch— You must sign up before March 25 to get the guide. ?? Link to sign up is in the comments. Don’t miss it. #FLAEYC #ChildcareMarketing #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EnrollmentGrowth #ECELeadership #SocialMediaForECE

It starts with a step. But the impact reaches much further. Every Step Counts is more than a challenge. It’s a movement to uplift early childhood educators across Florida. Here’s how you can be part of it: → Form a team. → Pick your unique hashtag. → Register and start stepping. And yes—there are prizes. ? Greatest Individual Steps ? Highest Team Steps ? Most Team Money Raised ? Most Hashtag Posts Because movement builds momentum. And when we step together, we support something bigger. Every step supports early educators. ?? Challenge begins April 5. ?? Link to register is in the comments. #FLAEYC #EveryStepCounts #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LeadershipThroughMovement #ECEProfessionals