PRESIDENT’S REPORT - December 2024

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Happy December, members! As the snow blankets Minnesota in its serene beauty, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the incredible work we’ve done together this year and share the progress we’re making to strengthen our community and our organization. The past year has been one of renewal and determination, as MnAEYC continues its mission to support early childhood educators and champion high-quality early education across the state.

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Membership: A Resilient Community

One of the greatest strengths of MnAEYC is its membership. As of December 5, 2024, our membership remains strong with 733 individuals in good standing. While we’ve experienced some lapsed memberships over the past two years (275 since January 2024 and 579 since January 2023), I am heartened to see consistent engagement in recent months, with no lapses since the beginning of November 2024. This resilience is a testament to the dedication of our members and the value they find in staying connected to MnAEYC’s mission and offerings. Membership retention and growth remain a priority as we enter the new year, and we are confident that upcoming events and initiatives will continue to draw educators and advocates to our community.

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Expanding Our Influence: Community Representation

MnAEYC’s commitment to advocacy and collaboration extends beyond our immediate membership. Board members are actively participating in key statewide initiatives, including the Transforming Minnesota’s Early Childhood Workforce Group (B8) and the Minnesota P-20 Partnership. These efforts align MnAEYC with larger conversations and strategies around workforce development, education reform, and equity, ensuring that our members’ voices and priorities are represented at critical decision-making tables.

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A New Address for MnAEYC

In the spirit of fresh beginnings, MnAEYC now has a new postal address! Please note it is now:
8740 Arbor St., Duluth, MN 55808.

We encourage you to update your records to ensure that we stay connected without interruption.

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Collaboration Through Subcommittees

MnAEYC thrives because of the collective efforts of its members and leadership. This year, we are inviting members to actively participate in our working subcommittees, which play a vital role in shaping our programs and priorities. Whether your passion lies in business development, professional development, membership engagement, policy and advocacy, or equity, there is a committee for you.

For example, the Professional Development Committee is busy planning events like the Winter Leadership Institute and Annual Conference, while the Membership Nurturing Committee is focused on strengthening member engagement through innovative recruitment and retention strategies. Meanwhile, the Policy & Advocacy Committee ensures that our voices are heard at the legislative and regulatory levels, and the newly formed Equity Committee is leading the charge in embedding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into every facet of our work.

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Excitement Builds for the Annual Conference

Speaking of professional development, the upcoming Annual Conference promises to be one of the highlights of the year. With presenters confirmed and sessions locked in, the conference will feature topics as diverse as nature-inspired learning, trauma-informed care, and second-language development in early childhood education. These sessions are designed to reflect the unique needs and interests of our members, providing practical insights and innovative approaches to enhance your work with young children and their families.

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Engaging Through a Virtual Town Hall

In January, we will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall on January 7, 2025 at 7pm to create a space for open dialogue and collaboration. This event will give members the opportunity to voice their concerns, share their successes, and ask questions about MnAEYC’s progress and plans. During the session, we will also share financial updates, discuss strategic initiatives, and offer a Q&A segment to foster meaningful connections between members and leadership. So keep an eye out for an invitation to the town hall!

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Looking Ahead: NAEYC Membership Updates

Starting March 3, 2025, NAEYC will transition to a single-tier membership structure at $72 per year, discontinuing premium membership options by December 1, 2024. This change is designed to simplify the membership process and provide consistency for members across the country. We will continue to share updates on this transition and how it impacts MnAEYC.

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A Vision for the Future

As we look toward 2025, I am filled with optimism and gratitude. With our active and resilient membership, dedicated board members, and robust community partnerships, MnAEYC is poised for continued growth and impact. Together, we will strengthen the support we provide to early childhood professionals across Minnesota, advocate for the needs of children and families, and create a brighter future for early childhood education.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for your unwavering commitment to MnAEYC. Your dedication inspires us all, and I look forward to the incredible work we will achieve together in the coming year.

Warm regards,
 

Jodie Riek

President, Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC)