General Membership Questions

How long is my membership valid?

An NAEYC membership is good for one year from the time the application is processed, and payment is made in full.

How do I join NAEYC?

New members join online through the NAEYC Account Hub. Note that you will first create an account with a valid email address by selecting 'Create an account.' Enter your email address and click 'Verify Email'.  Fill out the required information and click 'Submit'. Once logged in, you can select the 'Join' button to begin the membership application process. 

A printable membership application, which can be mailed with payment (Check only) to: NAEYC, P.O. Box 97156, Washington, DC 20090-7156.

Can my organization join NAEYC?

NAEYC is a professional association with membership for the individual, not organizations. Discounts are offered to organizations purchasing 50 or more Standard memberships at one time and through one payment transaction. Learn more about giving the gift of membership to your staff through a group purchase by contacting Market Solutions.

How long does it take for a membership to become active?

Memberships will become active immediately upon joining or renewing online or by phone. Members who mail their application should have their membership activated within 2–3 weeks of the receipt of payment. 

How much does NAEYC membership cost?

Members joining NAEYC receive membership at the national level as well as with an Affiliate for $72. This ensures members receive all the benefits of NAEYC membership and enjoy the benefits of membership in a national and an Affiliate early childhood organization at the same time! Additional Affiliate memberships can be purchased for $22 per Affiliate.

*Discounts offered for one purchase of 50 or more Standard memberships. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about memberships for your team. 
_{Please note that Membership prices and benefits are subject to change at any time.}

Click here to learn more about benefits and member options.
Click here for more information about the NAEYC Affiliate network.

My center is accredited by NAEYC. Are all the staff of the center automatically members of NAEYC?

No. Membership to NAEYC is on an individual basis and it is not included as part of accreditation.

Receiving Your Benefits

How do I access my membership account and view my benefits?

Login to your member portal. If it's your first time logging in, or you've forgotten your password, select the 'forgot password' icon. Once you've logged in, you can review your contact information, verify membership details, view invoices, access benefits, renew, and more. If you have any questions about your subscriptions or benefit fulfillment, please contact NAEYC Customer Care via e-mail or by calling 800-424-2460, option 4.

Watch a video tutorial for the new membership portal here!
Read a PDF guide to the new membership portal here!

Changing your Membership

I’ve moved. How do I update my address or change my Affiliate?

Update your mailing address by logging into your Member Portal and selecting the Teal 'Edit My Profile' button. Members have 30 days after joining or renewing NAEYC membership to change their Primary Affiliate. Thereafter members may add an additional affiliate for $22 for the remainder of the year. Please note, that NAEYC does not process refunds for Affiliate memberships.

What is NAEYC’s cancellation policy?

Members can cancel their membership within 30 days of joining or renewing for a full refund. After 30 days, no refund will be issued. For member terms and conditions, click here. Contact NAEYC Customer Care via e-mail or by calling 800-424-2460, option 4.

Affiliate Membership Questions

Can I join more than one Affiliate?

Yes! You can join up to 5 total Affiliates. If you choose to add additional Affiliates at the time of joining, renewal, or during your membership year, you are responsible for paying the Affiliate portion of the dues for every additional Affiliation.  The fee for each additional Affiliate is $22, and your expiration date remains unchanged.

How do I join an Affiliate?

New members with a U.S. address select the Affiliate of their choice when they join NAEYC.

As a Lifetime member, why am I no longer a member of my Affiliate?

Lifetime memberships pertain only to the national membership. In order to renew your membership at the Affiliate level, Lifetime members need to contact NAEYC Customer Care by calling 800-424-2460, option 4.

How can I contact my Affiliate?

A comprehensive Affiliate directory is available by clicking here. In your member profile, select ‘Additional Resources > Affiliate Directory’.

How do I find the dues to my Affiliate online?

Affiliate dues are standard. Your primary regional affiliate membership is included in your total membership cost. Additional Affiliates may be added for an additional fee.

I’ve moved. How do I change my Affiliate?

Please be sure to update your mailing address by logging into your Member Portal and selecting the Teal 'Edit My Profile' button. Don't forget to save your information once you update it! Members have 30 days after joining or renewing NAEYC membership to change their primary Affiliate. Thereafter members may add an additional affiliate for a prorated cost for the remainder of the year. Please note, however, that NAEYC does not process refunds for Affiliate memberships.

What’s New 

Why did NAEYC change to a single membership type? 

The single membership type ensures equal access to benefits and support for all members. The old model created unintended barriers with varying levels and costs. The new model is simpler and offers consistent, high-quality benefits for everyone. 

What were the main factors driving this change?  

The old model had challenges like difficult-to-use resources, high costs, and unequal benefit distribution. Feedback showed that the system wasn't meeting members' needs, and it wasn’t financially sustainable. The new model addresses these issues by simplifying access, improving equity, lowering barriers, and ensuring long-term organizational stability. 

What is the cost of the new single-tier membership? 

The new membership costs $72.

Are there flexible payment plans, or other discounts available? 

Currently, payment plans are not available, but NAEYC is working to offer this option in the future. The organization is also exploring special pricing and partnerships with organizations to provide discounts, ensuring membership is affordable and valuable. 

How will members be billed or renewed under the new model? 

Members will renew annually through the new, easy to navigate portal under the “My Membership” section on the homepage. This section allows you to edit your payment method and update your auto-renewal settings whenever you want. 

I’m thinking of joining for the first time—what’s different for new members now? 

We're excited you're considering joining our community of passionate early childhood professionals. Here's what you can expect as a new member under our improved membership model: 

• One membership type for everyone: We've simplified things by offering one, all-inclusive membership. This means everyone gets the same great benefits, and it's easier to understand what your membership includes. 
• More benefits: You'll enjoy a wider range of benefits, including digital resources, professional development opportunities, advocacy support, and discounts on events and publications. 
• Easier onboarding: Our upgraded member portal makes it simple to join, access your benefits, and connect with other members. 

We're confident you'll find NAEYC membership to be a valuable investment in your professional growth and a rewarding way to connect with other dedicated educators. 

Why is the new price set where it is, and how does it compare to peer organizations? 

The $72 annual fee is competitive and reflects the value of NAEYC membership, which offers more benefits at a lower cost compared to similar organizations. Membership supports high-quality resources, professional development, advocacy, and continued investment in the needs of members and the profession. 

Can I still get a membership discount when I register for the Annual Conference? 

Yes. While we haven't finalized pricing for the 2025 Annual Conference in Orlando yet, we will continue to offer a membership discount with conference registration. 

Are there new or expanded benefits under the single-tier membership model? 

Yes, the single-tier model includes expanded benefits such as more digital resources (articles, E-Books, and online courses), regular webinars with industry experts, and the ability to earn CEUs through professional development. These offerings are powered by improved technology tailored to members' needs. 

What are the exact benefits that are now included? 

• Community: HELLO online community, interest forums, networking opportunities with thousands of members, and affiliate membership 
• Advocacy: Policy Q&A webinars with NAEYC staff, HELLO policy discussions, policy insights from national policy leaders, and early registration access for the Public Policy Forum 
• Resources: Newsletter, member-only digital journal, toolkits & guides, and a digital welcome basket of resources in the member profile 
• Events: Conference discounts, regular webinars & workshops, and interviews with ECE thought leaders and luminaries 
• Support: Professional development with CEUs, leadership pathways & volunteer opportunities, mentorship & scholarships opportunities, insurance, tuition & retail discounts, and member-only sales on books and professional development 

How do I access these benefits? 

Access all benefits through the updated NAEYC Member Portal. Use it to connect with others via the HELLO community, join discussions, take online courses and webinars, register for events, or manage program accreditation. The portal features improved navigation, reminders, and a personalized dashboard for tracking your benefits and activities. 

Will I still receive printed materials like books, journals, and membership cards? 

The new model focuses on digital resources for easier access and sustainability. Printed books and journals will no longer be included, but you can purchase books through the eStore. Membership cards will now be digital and downloadable from your NAEYC profile.  

How will members find information previously linked to old tiers?

Members who are in the middle of their current membership cycle and therefore have not received a full year of current membership benefits will automatically transition into the new membership and receive all the new membership benefits as well as the digital welcome basket items. 

Will current premium members be getting a refund? Or my full premium benefits? 

All premium members will be automatically transitioned to the new, expanded membership at no extra additional cost in Spring 2025. You will then automatically receive all benefits of the new membership along with a digital welcome basket of NAEYC resources in your new online NAEYC Member Profile. 

How does it affect my lifetime membership? 

Lifetime members will automatically transition to the new model in Spring 2025 and continue receiving free national NAEYC membership. Affiliate membership dues will still need to be paid separately and can be renewed online via the member portal. 

Additional Support

For additional support or to ask questions, please contact NAEYC Customer Care by email at [email protected] or via telephone at 800-424-2460 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern).

How can I offer feedback or suggest improvements to the new model?

We are committed to listening, learning, and growing alongside our members. If you have suggestions, concerns, or simply want to share your appreciation for this transition, please call our Customer Care Team at 800-424-2460 or email us at [email protected].