Happy February!

Hey y’all! It’s Natasha here, your AECA President! I am so thrilled to share that AECA’s focus for 2024 is…

𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬: 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Throughout the upcoming year, we will look at the idea of connections between children, parents and professionals, and how these drive the life-changing work that we do. Connections and relationships are at the heart of learning. As renowned scholar and child psychologist, James P. Comer said, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.”

As you go about your lives this month, I challenge you to consider what “connection” means to you, and how you foster these connections within the following areas:

🔵 child to child
🔷 child to parent
🔵 child to caregiver
🔷 parent to parent
🔵 parent to caregiver
🔷 caregiver to caregiver

Also in our hearts and minds this month is the subject of Black History. Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the US. It honors all Black people from all periods of US history. We will be sharing stories, ideas for your classroom and books on our social media pages all month.

I want to hear from you! Email me at president@arkansasearlychildhood.org and share what connection means to you, a story of a meaningful connection, and/or what you do within your program to support these vital relationships that link our hearts and minds, as well as how you are honoring Black History Month.

Looking forward to connecting!

Natasha Kile
President of AECA