Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children (ILAEYC)

The Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children was initiated in 1969 by the Chicago Association for the Education of Young Children for the purpose of increasing the impact of professionals in the field of early childhood. The organization has grown from a loose network of highly motivated individuals gathering from all over the state to discuss issues effecting children to a professional organization with bylaws, a constitution and a strategic plan. When the history of the organization is reviewed, a vision of an organization steadily pushing towards greater professionalism, increased networking and collaboration, and a strengthened voice for children in the state of Illinois is revealed.