NAEYC Governing Board
Overview of responsibilities
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 childhood education for all young children.
NAEYC is governed by an elected 17-member Board, including five officers. Board members are responsible for decisions regarding the Association's goals, policies, and allocation of 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 holds in high regard 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. Our Board exercises strategic leadership through its focus on policy, direction, and strategy.
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Time commitments of NAEYC Board service
Board members are 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 per year-in the spring (in conjunction with the Policy and Leadership Forum), at the July summer retreat, and in the fall (immediately preceding the Annual Conference). Board members receive detailed agenda materials for study prior to each meeting. Spring and fall meetings are typically 1-2 days in length, and the summer retreat is 4-5 days including time for travel. Newly elected members also attend a 2-day orientation at NAEYC Headquarters. Board members serve on committees that may conduct business by email, 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 constitute the Board's Executive Committee; this Committee meets at each Board meeting and two additional times during the year.
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NAEYC election schedule of available positions
(for election in the following year)
| 2008 |
President-elect, Treasurer, 3 Governing Board members at large |
| 2009 |
Vice President, Secretary, 3 Governing Board positions
(2 members at large; 1 Affiliate Liaison) |
| 2010 |
President-elect, 3 Governing Board members at large |
| 2011 |
Three Governing Board positions (2 Members-at-Large; 1 Affiliate Liaison) |
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NAEYC Nominations and Elections process
A Nominating Panel is appointed annually to identify potential candidates for the following year's election. The Panel is charged to recommend a slate of qualified candidates for approval by the Governing Board and election by the membership. In years when the Affiliate Liaison is included on the slate, potential candidates for this 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, not to represent a particular group, region, or interest. In addition to their leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities, candidates are also selected to ensure that the Board collectively reflects the Association's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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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.
You need broad knowledge and awareness of issues facing the early childhood field and the ability to conceptualize appropriate roles for the Association. You 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 you must possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to objectively consider various perspectives to guide major policy decisions.
You 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, you 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 12 months (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 and responsibilities for Officer positions
President-The NAEYC President leads the Governing Board in making responsible, mission-driven policy decisions; serves as advisor and counsel to the Executive Director in the implementation of policies and programs; fosters an open, participatory board culture that welcomes diversity of perspectives and emphasizes knowledge-based strategic decisions; and effectively interprets and communicates NAEYC's policies and principles to the membership and the public. Qualifications include demonstrated breadth of knowledge, experience, commitment, time, and ability to provide vision and leadership for the Association. Strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills and the ability to serve as an effective spokesperson on behalf of the Association are also essential.
Treasurer-The Treasurer works with staff in the review and analysis of NAEYC's financial status and chairs the Finance and Fund Development Committee to prepare and present recommendations to the President and Governing Board in the areas of fiscal policy and procedures, and future plans. Qualifications include knowledge of fiscal policy, experience in analyzing large budgets, and skill in conceptualizing the application of fiscal and other information for use by the Governing Board in knowledge-based decision making.
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2007 to 2008 NAEYC Election Timeline (slate constructed in 2007)
- June 1, 2008 Newly elected Board members assume office for four years.
- September 2008 Based upon their review of submitted materials, the Nominating Panel writes potential candidates to participate in group interviews in Washington, DC. The interviews guide the selection of the slate that is recommended to the Governing Board for approval.
- November 2008 The 2008 slate is officially announced in Young Children and at the Annual Conference.
- January 2009 Young Children includes candidate statements and photos; ballots with candidate information are mailed to all current members as of 12/31/2008.
- March 1, 2009 Deadline for postmark on ballots
- Spring 2009 Newly elected Board members attend the spring Board meetings and meet with Headquarters staff as part of the Board orientation.
- June 1, 2009 Newly elected Board members assume office for four years.
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If you have any questions about being on this Panel, please contact Cathy Kennedy at ckennedy@naeyc.org or 202-350-8835.
To apply, click here. |
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