Are you an early childhood education expert? Do you want to share your knowledge and expertise with the field?  

If so, becoming a subject matter expert (SME) for NAEYC may be a great fit for you. NAEYC is diversifying its pool of SMEs to support creating professional development, training, and webinars for early education leaders and educators. We hope to bridge the gap between theory and practice so your insights on practical applications, best practices, and lessons learned are invaluable to building capacity for professionals in this dynamic workforce. 

What is a SME? 

We consider a SME as someone who has mastery of a particular early education topic, hands on experience, and the ability to translate both to support early education professionals learn “how” to implement realistic and practical strategies for creating culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate experiences for young children. 

Who is NAEYC looking for? 

To become a NAEYC SME, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Hold a master’s degree or doctorate in early childhood education, developmental psychology, child development and family studies, early childhood special education, elementary education, or other related degree. 
• Have experience as an early childhood professional, preferably as a direct service provider (program administrator, teacher, family childcare provider, etc.), or ability to adapt a specific knowledge base to an early childhood audience.  
• Have knowledge of adult learning theory.  

What is the selection process? 

Candidates that meet the SME criteria will be added to the SME pool. When NAEYC is seeking expertise, candidates will be selected and retained on a contractual basis. Applications will be active for 24 months, after that time a new application will be required to maintain active status in the pool.  

How do I apply?

To apply, please complete the NAEYC SME Pool Application and attach a copy of your resume/vitae, cover letter, and writing sample. Incomplete applications will not be considered nor added to the SME pool. 

Apply Now

NAEYC is seeking SMEs on topics that include but are not limited to the following: 

• Advocacy/Public Policy 
• Art 
• Child Development 
• Children with Disabilities and/or Early Intervention 
• Cognitive Development 
• Community Partnerships 
• Curriculum Theories and Approaches 
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 
• Emergent Bilingual/Multilingual learners 
• Family Engagement 
• Guidance and/or Classroom Management 
• Health and Safety 
• Infant/Toddlers 
• Kindergarten 
• Leadership 
• Learning Environments 
• Language and Literacy 
• Mathematics 
• Observation and Assessment 
• Physical Development 
• Play 
• Professionalism and Ethics 
• Program Administration 
• Science 
• Social and Emotional Development 
• Social Studies 
• Teaching and Instructional Practices 
• Technology 

Thank you in advance for your submission. We look forward to your contributions to this exciting and impactful work!