Overview
Preparing Your Application
Understanding the Review and Selection Process
Submit Your Application

Overview

NAEYC’s nominations process is designed to identify potential board members who will:

• bring broad-based knowledge of issues affecting the early childhood profession,  
• carefully prepare for meetings by reviewing and synthesizing the provided background materials,  
• fully participate in group discussions by respectfully offering and listening to diverse points of view, and  
• make thoughtful decisions that are in the best interests of the entire Association.      

Any member is eligible for consideration by the Nominating Panel. The process begins with an online application that includes contact and demographic information, a resume of relevant professional experience, and a 2-page personal statement.

Additionally, applicants are asked to provide three (3) references. References are contacted electronically and asked to complete a short survey as a background check. The submitted information is reviewed by the Nominating Panel. The review is used to identify potential candidates who are asked to participate in a group interview with the Panel at the NAEYC Headquarters in September. Based on the interviews, the Panel recommends the final slate to the Governing Board for approval, and the slate is presented to the NAEYC membership for election.

Key Dates in 2013

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Preparing Your Application

You will find the application in your membership record. The application will be pre-populated with your current contact and demographic information. Please update or add any information not in your record. You will also be asked to upload separate documents for your resume and personal statement. Please prepare these documents as a Word or PDF file before submitting your application.

Resume Instructions

The resume should address your:

• Employment history (last 10 years)  
• Professional preparation  
• Board or related governance experience, including AEYC Affiliate and NAEYC service (last 10 years)  
• Publications, awards, or other noteworthy accomplishments (last 5 years)

Most people will find 2 to 3 pages sufficient to provide this information; Nominating Panel members will be instructed to not review more than 5 pages. Documents should be in PDF or Word format.

Personal Statement Instructions

Your statement should describe why you are interested in serving on the NAEYC Governing Board and the strengths you would bring. You may choose how you wish to organize your statement, but please address the following topics:

• Critical issues you see facing the field of early childhood education  
• NAEYC’s role in addressing these issues  
• How your knowledge, skills and abilities would contribute to NAEYC’s leadership in advancing the organization’s mission and goals  
• Specific examples of how your experiences related to governance and leadership have prepared you to be an effective leader of NAEYC at this time

NOTE: If you are applying for Vice President or Secretary, please review the specific responsibilities for that office. If you are applying for Vice President or Affiliate Liaison, you must describe your knowledge and experiences with the NAEYC Affiliate structure.  

Your personal statement should not exceed two typed pages, with margins of at least 1" on all sides and a font size of at least 11.

References Instructions

The application asks you to provide the names and email addresses of three individuals who can attest to your trustworthiness, integrity, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities of NAEYC Board Service. Please note: Current NAEYC Governing Board or staff members may not serve as references. Your references will be contacted by email and asked to complete a brief electronic questionnaire and to provide a short statement as to your strengths as a potential Board candidate. At least one of your references should be your current employer (or if self-employed, most recent client).

References will be asked to rate you (the applicant) on the following scale, using peers or professional colleagues as a basis of comparison: Lower 50%; Upper 50%; Upper 25%; Upper 10%; Upper 1%.

The reference asks for ratings on these aspects:

• Commitment to the well-being of children
• Background and reputation of honesty and trust
• Degree of integrity and record of ethical practice   
• Leadership and contributions to the field of early childhood education  
• Knowledge of issues facing the field of early childhood education
• Commitment to NAEYC’s priority to be a highly functioning organization that is continually enriched by its commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Interpersonal skills and ability to objectively consider various perspectives  
• Knowledge of governance and group process
• Knowledge of and/or experience in NAEYC Affiliate structure  
• Preparation and follow-through in assigned tasks

In addition, references are asked to attach a brief statement (not more than a 1-page Word or PDF document) that describes the key strengths they feel would make the applicant an outstanding NAEYC Board member at this point in time.

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Understanding the Review and Selection Process

Paper review

Members of the Nominating Panel review all submitted application materials and references.

Group Interview

In early August, the Nominating Panel identifies potential candidates, based on the review of submitted applications and references. Potential candidates are interviewed in groups of 3–4 people; all interviews are held at the NAEYC Headquarters in Washington, DC, in mid to late September. The group interviews are used to determine the slate of candidates for the 2013 NAEYC Governing Board election; participation in the interview process is mandatory in order to be considered for the slate.

Approval of the Slate

After the group interviews are completed, the Nominating Panel determines its recommendations for the election slate. The proposed slate is presented to the NAEYC Governing Board for approval. Once approved, the slate is presented to the membership and the election process begins.

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Submit Your Application

The application is attached to your member record. Once logged in, click Membership Account, then click on Nomination Application. Only current members are eligible to apply. Join or renew now.  

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