The Arkansas Early Childhood Association is now accepting applications for one position on our Board of Directors, for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2027 and ending December 31, 2028. AECA’s Board of Directors sets the Association’s direction, approves the annual budget and audit, and makes sure AECA stays true to its mission on behalf of young children, families, and the early childhood professionals who serve them. This is a meaningful way to lead at a time when the issues facing Arkansas’s early childhood workforce have never been more important.
WHO CAN APPLY. Any current AECA member in good standing (dues paid) may apply. You do not need prior board experience. We especially welcome applicants who may bring skills in finance, advocacy, fundraising, nonprofit management, communications, or community engagement, and who also reflect the diversity of our state in geography, program type, years of experience, and background.
WHAT BOARD SERVICE INVOLVES
• Six Board meetings each year (bimonthly), three in-person.
• Concurrent service on an AECA committee such as Development, Public Policy, or Conference or AECA workgroup.
• Attendance at the AECA Annual Conference.
• Participation in AECA fundraising efforts.
HOW IT WORKS. The Governance Committee will review all applications, verify eligibility, interview qualified applicants, and contact references. The Committee will then recommend a candidate to the Board, and the Board will make the appointment by majority vote. The new Board member will take office on January 1, 2027.
HOW TO APPLY
- Review the questions first. Download this preview of every application question so you can think through your answers before you begin the actual application. Several questions ask for thoughtful written responses, so we encourage you to draft them in a Word document or notes app.
- Complete the online application. When you’re ready, paste your answers into the form here. The online form does not reliably save unfinished work, so having your answers drafted ahead of time will make it quick to complete in one sitting.
Applications are due by 12:00 a.m. on December 1, 2026.
If you have questions about the role or process, please feel free to email me (paul@arkansasearlychildhood.org) or Julie Yarberry (president@arkansasearlychildhood.org). And if you know someone who would be a strong Board member, please forward this message and encourage them to apply.
Thank you for your commitment to Arkansas’s young children and to AECA.
Paul Lazenby
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