Given the current state of affairs in our country, no one is immune from the need to thoroughly examine their lens.

Today, our world is different. Tomorrow, we ought never go back to what was considered normal.

While our profession is certainly not immune from the conversations of our time, the leaders in the profession have an obligation to address the role that our field plays in perpetuating and dismantling the systemic inequities that plague our society.

As written in the Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement, “All children have the right to equitable learning opportunities that enable them to achieve their full potential as engaged learners and valued members of society.” The work that the current moment necessitates requires us to confront the history of cultural, economic, and racial injustices as well as our understandings both inside and outside the walls of programs and schools. While educators who place equity, access, and

developmental appropriateness at the forefront of reimagining education are on the right path, these considerations are not new. For instance, the thought provoking 2007 study entitled, “DAP in the ’hood: Perceptions of child care practices by African American child care directors caring for children of color” provides a striking reminder that not everyone in our profession views what children need through the same lens.

If we understand the current moment as one of returning rather than reinventing, reimagining and improving, we’re destined to get the same inequitable results we’ve always received.

I believe, that great things happen in service to others. While creating spaces that better serve children and families will always be my main priority, as Governing Board President I will look to serve the membership of NAEYC by assisting our organization with prioritizing strategies to:

• address persistent and unacceptable gaps, such as wage and access gaps, in our field
• create a cohesive Birth through Third Grade system that better positions families to experience continuity of a high-quality education
• assist the organization in sound governance during this unique moment in our history to ensure that NAEYC is run well and represents the will of the membership.

At this moment in our field, strong leadership is not only vital to academic achievement and equitable outcomes, but to the well-being of children and families. I am humbled and honored to be in consideration for Governing Board President. Upon many shoulders I stand to ensure that the work of our organization remains focused on child and family well-being, at this particular time and always.