A Seasonal Message of Gratitude 


As we embrace this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to our early childhood education community. Your unwavering dedication to nurturing and educating young children inspires us all and strengthens the foundation of our future.


In November, we were honored to attend the NAEYC Annual Conference, a powerful opportunity to learn and collaborate with peers from across the nation. We also celebrated with over 200 early childhood education providers at our Western Massachusetts Conference, where connections were made, ideas were shared, and inspiration flowed.


As we reflect during this time of thankfulness, we are reminded of the importance of family, friends, and the communities that support us. Together, we make a profound difference in the lives of children and families.


We have some exciting news to share—be sure to read below for updates and announcements you won’t want to miss!


Wishing you a season filled with joy, gratitude, and togetherness,

Dr. Cheryl Hovey, MAAEYC President

The Power of Play Conference Highlights

MAAEYC in the news....

Ant Toombs, senior playmaker guide, leads Monday's conference on early childhood through a rock/paper/scissors exercise in play. The idea was to engage in face-to-face connections and increase energy and creativity.

iBerkshire writes...

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More than 200 early childhood professionals gathered at Taconic High School on Monday for the Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children conference.


This is the second year it was held in Berkshire County though attendees were from throughout Western Mass. At one point, they were reminded of the power of play when the auditorium erupted into a rock-paper-scissors tournament.


Association President Cheryl Hovey said while the events of last week's election may have affected everyone differently, the MAAEYC is there to help navigate the next steps in times of uncertainty.


We find strength in community, she said, and Monday's event was a celebration of that strength because the work done in early childhood now more than ever has the power to shape the future.


"Today we gather not just to learn but to inspire and be inspired, to connect, and to celebrate the power of play and early childhood education," she said.

Read Full Article Here

Association President Dr. Cheryl Hovey and board members Gregg Millien and Dr. Kim Bennett at Taconic High School. This is the second year the conference has been held in Berkshire County. 

MAAEYC brings early childhood conference back to the Berkshires


November 13, 2024

BUW helps advocate for changes to this year's conference and partners with BTCF to sponsor 46 educators to attend


As MAAEYC President Cheryl Hovey opened the conference, she told the more than 200 professionals in attendance, “together we have the power to shape the future, one playful moment at a time.” 


This year’s conference focused on how to help kids heal from trauma through optimism and play, and featured Anthony “Ant” Toombs Sr., senior playmaker guide and outreach specialist for the Life is Good Playmaker Project (LiGPP). Throughout his 15 years with LiGPP, he has helped thousands of early childhood professionals create more safe, loving and joyful environments for children to engage, connect and explore. 


In March 2022, Alica Ginsberg, early childhood career pathway grant coordinator at Berkshire Community College, accompanied a handful of students to the MAAEYC Conference in Worcester. Toombs was the speaker. 


“I became determined to help bring this fantastic speaker and program to the Berkshires,” she said. Here’s why. 


“For years, and especially since COVID, I have seen teachers, directors and programs in general struggling with dysregulated behaviors from our youngest children in the community,” said Ginsberg. “Our teachers deserve to know how to support these children and create environments that are healthy and responsive to the child's needs, no matter how challenging.” 



Read Full Article


MAAEYC Past President Patty Sinclair provided testimony on building sustainable funding for early childhood and its educators at the EEC Board Meeting in November.

NAEYC Annual Conference


In November, several MAAEYC Executive Committee and Board Members proudly attended the NAEYC Annual Conference, representing our state affiliate. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to connect with educators and leaders from across the country, engage in meaningful professional development, and bring back innovative ideas to support our local early childhood community.


We were inspired by the sessions, keynote speakers, and shared commitment to advancing equity and excellence in early education. It was an honor to represent Massachusetts and bring our voices to the national stage.

MAAEYC supporting our community....

How can you help?

MAAEYC is thrilled to partner with Wonderfund this holiday season to provide gifts for the thousands of DCF children and families throughout Massachusetts! 


If you' are interested in supporting this amazing non-profit organization and impacting the lives of children across our state, there are a few easy ways to participate:





Drop unwrapped toys off at one of our designated Wonderfund Toy Donation Bins: Email secretary@maaeyc.org for a list of locations 


We wish all of our MAAEYC Members a joyous and fun-filled holiday season! ~ MAAEYC Membership Committee 


This Giving Tuesday, join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of young learners. At MAAEYC, we’re dedicated to empowering Educators with the tools they need to thrive by supporting early childhood education initiatives. Your generosity helps us provide access to quality programs, resources, and opportunities that set the foundation for lifelong success.

Every donation, big or small, helps us create a brighter future for Educators in our community. Together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.

Make a difference December 3rd, this Giving Tuesday—give the gift of education.



Donate Today

MAAEYC attends Neighborhood Villages preview of the film "Make a Circle"

Upcoming Events....

Click for more information or how to get involved

Professional Development &

Conference Committee

December 10, 2024

7:00-8:00 PM EST

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Governance Committee

December 5, 2024

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December 10, 2024

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Membership Committee

December 9, 2024

6:30-7:30 PM EST

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Finance & Fundraising Committee

December 13, 2024

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