GAEYC’s June Newsletter: It’s getting hot outside

June Newsletter

A Message from GAEYC’s Affiliate Director:

Hey there, GAEYC Family!

Is it just us, or is the Georgia heat already cranking up? ☀️

While the thermometer outside is rising, things over here at GAEYC aren’t cooling down anytime soon! We have a jam-packed June ahead, full of opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.

Here is a look at what’s coming up this month:

🌟 GAEYC Leadership Summit: It’s Time to Refill Your Cup

To continue our programming focused on mental health and wellness, we are hosting a special Leadership Summit on June 9. We know how hard our Early Childhood Education (ECE) leaders work, which is why this summit is designed specifically for you to come, relax, and get poured into.

Cost: FREE for GAEYC members | $25 for non-members
The Goal: Take a breath, connect with peers, and recharge your professional battery..

🏛️ Policy Action Network

Mark your calendars for June 16! We will be gathering for our Policy Action Network to discuss important updates, advocate for the ECE field, and raise our voices for Georgia's children and educators. Register below to attend and to join the conversation.

🎤 Call for Presenters: Share Your Spark!

Are you interested in presenting at our upcoming annual conference? We are officially accepting proposals now through June 15. We are looking for dynamic, engaging, and interesting presentations that align with our S.T.A.R. conference theme. If you have insights or strategies to share with the ECE community, we want to hear from you!

👉 Check out the conference page on our website for full details and to submit your proposal.

🤍 Wrapping Up Our Communities of Practice

This month, we are wrapping up our final Mental Health and Wellness Communities of Practice. It has been an incredibly impactful journey, and we want to extend a massive thank you to Rick Harrell and Dr. Zuly Vasquez for facilitating our final two cohorts. Your dedication to the wellbeing of our community has been invaluable!

Wishing you all a wonderful, safe, and cool start to the summer season!

Thank you!

Dr. LaShunda Morris

Affiliate Director

Join us for a restorative, empowering experience designed to help you prioritize your well-being while strengthening your leadership impact. Because when leaders are well, everyone thrives.

Come reflect, reset, and gain practical tools to support not only yourself—but the educators, children, and families you serve.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s time to refill yours.

Join GAEYC (virtually) for the ECE Policy Action Network! The ECE Policy Action Network helps Georgia’s early care and education (ECE) professionals by:

Staying connected, informed, and engaged on key ECE policy issues and advocacy strategies.
Providing opportunities for networking and leadership development related to ECE policy, advocacy, and awareness building.

The Policy Action Network is in partnership with Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS). Advocacy is a powerful tool, and we encourage all early childhood educators to speak up on behalf of the profession and the children and families of Georgia. If you’re interested in learning more or finding resources to support your own advocacy efforts, explore NAEYC’s Advocacy Tools and Resources. These meetings are for ECE professionals with all types of advocacy experience - from the seasoned advocate to the interested newcomer!

Learn More about Policy

Watch the Recording of the Latest Policy Action Network

The Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children (GAEYC) is excited to host our 2026 Annual Conference, Rise Together: Advocacy, Strength, and the Future of Early Childhood. This conference offers meaningful professional development opportunities for everyone; including teachers, directors, Administrators, support staff members and families.

Click the link below to register and learn more.

A Century of Excellence, A Future of Promise

For 100 years, NAEYC has been the leading voice driving high-quality early childhood education—elevating the profession, advancing children’s outcomes, and building a community of passionate advocates.

Learn More

We are thrilled to shine a well-deserved spotlight on Maisah Williams-Foote, a truly transformative leader whose vision and leadership for our organization are unmatched. With three decades of dedicated service in early childhood education (ECE), nonprofit leadership, and federal program management, Maisah brings an extraordinary depth of expertise and a fierce passion for systemic change to our board.

Throughout her illustrious 30-year career, Maisah has been a tireless champion for equitable access to quality education. She doesn't just navigate existing systems; she actively works to dismantle systemic barriers, centering her advocacy on racial, environmental, economic equity, and emotional wellness.

Maisah’s dedication to nurturing others extends far beyond the classroom. Recognizing the vital importance of mental and emotional health, she also founded The ReRise Collective, a faith-centered community designed for women navigating life's complexities who are longing for healing, peace, and renewal.

We are incredibly honored to have Maisah’s leadership, wisdom, and heart guiding our organization forward!

Would you like to be more involved? Want to learn new skills or put your special skills to good use? We are always looking for volunteers to help with different events and tasks. Let us know you are interested. Click below to complete our volunteer interest form and we will reach out to you when we new opportunities are available.

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