About Southcentral Alaska Association for the Education of Young Children

Mission Statement
The Southcentral Alaska Association for the Education of Young Children (SCAAEYC) promotes high-quality learning for all children,
birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research.  We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

Vision

All young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.
 

History

Southcentral Alaska AEYC (SCAAEYC) is a dedicated Alaskan affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC, founded in 1926, is the nation’s largest professional organization working on behalf of young children. Anchorage first organized an affiliate in December 1970, operating for decades as Anchorage AEYC. In 2025, the organization officially adopted the name Southcentral Alaska AEYC to better reflect the breadth of its membership, its expanding reach, and its commitment to serving early childhood professionals and families throughout the broader Southcentral region.
 

SCAAEYC is committed to promoting high-quality care and education for young children and their families. The organization supports early childhood educators by offering a wide range of professional development opportunities, including trainings, workshops, conferences, and access to current research and best practices. These efforts help educators strengthen their skills, elevate the quality of their programs, and more effectively support the developmental needs of the children they serve.
 

Advocacy is central to SCAAEYC’s mission. The organization disseminates timely, accessible information about public policies, pending legislation, and emerging issues affecting early childhood education. By interpreting policy shifts and explaining potential impacts at the local, state, and national levels, SCAAEYC empowers educators, families, and community members to engage in informed advocacy on behalf of young children.
 

Collaboration remains a core value. SCAAEYC works closely with families, educators, community organizations, and partner agencies to address the diverse needs of young children across Southcentral Alaska. Through these partnerships, the organization helps strengthen the early childhood system and ensures that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.