- Current Governing Board
- Summary of responsibilities
- Time commitments
- NAEYC election schedule
- NAEYC Nominations and election process
- Qualifications for all NAEYC Board candidates
- 2013 to 2014 Election Timeline (slate constructed in 2013)
Summary of responsibilities
NAEYC is governed by an elected 17-member Board, including five officers. The most effective boards—whose members are deeply committed to the organization’s mission, bring expertise in key areas, and represent diverse perspectives—evolve over time through careful planning. NAEYC's nominations and election process seeks to recruit and elect qualified leaders who will further our commitment to be a high-performing, inclusive organization that promotes excellence in early education for all young children.
The Governing Board uses policy governance as its framework for decision making. Thus the Board sets policies, establishes benchmarks to measure progress, and allocates resources. By law, Board members are obligated to 1) act only in the best interests of the Association and to avoid conflicts of interest; 2) act honestly, in good faith, and on an informed basis when making decisions; and 3) pursue the objectives of the Association's mission. NAEYC deeply appreciates the elected members who accept these obligations to serve as stewards of the Association.
NAEYC's Governing Board culture is characterized by full and open participation by all members and senior staff. We believe that this approach maximizes group energy to address major issues facing our profession and organization. We rely upon diverse perspectives to reach well-informed decisions that further our mission.
Time commitments of NAEYC Board service
Each Board member is elected for a term of four years. (The President serves one year as President-Elect, two years as President, and one year as Past President.) Meetings of the full Board are typically held three times a year—in the winter, spring, and at a fall retreat. Board members receive detailed agenda materials for study prior to each meeting. Meetings are typically two to two-and-one-half days in length, plus time for travel. Newly elected members also attend an orientation at NAEYC Headquarters. Board members serve on committees that may conduct business by e-mail, conference call, or additional meetings. Travel and other expenses associated with Board service are covered by NAEYC; reimbursement for dependent care costs or substitute teachers is also available according to Board-determined policy.
The President, President-Elect or Past President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer serve as the Board's Executive Committee. This Committee meets at each Board meeting and three additional times during the year.
NAEYC election schedule of available positions
2014: Vice President, Secretary, 3 Governing Board positions - (2 members At large; 1 Affiliate Liaison)
2015: President-Elect, 3 Governing Board members At Large
2016: Three Governing Board positions (2 Members At Large; 1 Affiliate Liaison)
2017: President-Elect, Treasurer, 3 Governing Board members At Large
NAEYC Nominations and Elections process
A Nominating Panel is appointed annually to identify potential candidates for the following year's election. The Panel recommends a slate of qualified candidates for approval by the Governing Board and election by the membership. Potential candidates for the Affiliate Liaison position are first identified by the Affiliate Council's Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Panel selects candidates for their ability to consider objectively the variety of perspectives, challenges, and choices inherent in the decisions affecting the Association's future. In addition to their leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities, candidates are also selected to ensure that the Board as a whole reflects the Association's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Qualifications for all NAEYC Board candidates
The Nominating Panel seeks potential candidates who demonstrate strong leadership, commitment, and contributions to the field of early childhood education and in assuring the well-being of all young children.
Candidates need broad knowledge and awareness of issues facing the early childhood field and the ability to conceptualize appropriate roles for the Association. Candidates must uphold NAEYC's mission, goals, priorities, and Code of Ethical Conduct.
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the Association's priority to be a highly functioning organization that is continually enriched by its institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion, and must possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to objectively consider various perspectives to guide major policy decisions.
Candidates also need expertise in special areas needed by the Association—including knowledge of governance and group functioning, association work, and knowledge of and/or experience in NAEYC's Affiliate structure—as well as specific skills required for fulfilling Board responsibilities.
In addition, candidates need to be able to make the necessary commitment of time and other resources to serve effectively as a Governing Board member and to serve as an effective ambassador for the Association and its principles.
Finally, applicants must be a current member of NAEYC. Any individual who has been employed by or had a full- or part-time contract with NAEYC or any of its Affiliates within the past 3 years (excluding honoraria) is not eligible for consideration.
These qualifications are designed to ensure that elected Board members are prepared to fulfill their designated responsibilities, including
- exercising fiduciary responsibilities and stewardship with regard to NAEYC's goals, policies, and allocation of resources;
- contributing to a policy governance model that provides leadership for the Association with a focus on mission;
- identifying and cultivating future Association leaders; and
- serving on committees and panels and being available for liaison relationships with Affiliate Groups and Interest Forums.
Specific qualifications for Officers
In addition to the qualifications above, officers must meet specific qualifications related to the responsibilities for their position. The responsibilities and associated qualifications are outlined here.
2013 to 2014 NAEYC Election Timeline
- January 2013: Applications and deadline information posted for submission by NAEYC members interested in being considered for Board service.
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Summer 2013: Based upon their review of submitted materials, the Nominating Panel invites potential candidates to participate in group interviews in Washington, D.C. The interviews guide the selection of the slate that is recommended to the Governing Board for approval.
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Late summer/Early fall 2013: Group Interviews are held at NAEYC Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
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November 2013: The slate is officially announced in Young Children and at the Annual Conference. Typically, a video is made of each candidate at the Annual Conference. Deadline for submitting request for paper ballot via postal mail is November 1.
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January 2014: Links to a secure election site are e-mailed to all current members as of 12/1/2012 and mailed to those who requested paper ballots.
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March 1, 2014: Deadline for postmark on mailed ballots and end of electronic voting period.
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Spring 2014: Newly elected Board members attend the spring Board meetings and meet with Headquarters staff as part of the Board orientation.
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June 1, 2014: Newly elected Board members assume office for four years.
If you have any questions about being on the Governing Board, please contact Cathy Kennedy at ckennedy@naeyc.org or 202-350-8835.
