NAEYC's membership is organized by a geographic affiliate structure. Members join NAEYC by joining NAEYC Affiliate Groups—local, state, and regional early childhood associations that share our commitment to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children and families. In most states, a state affiliate is organized into local affiliate chapters that are directly affiliated with NAEYC. Some states also belong to a regional organization.

Participating in an NAEYC Affiliate Group provides members the opportunity to network with other early childhood professionals and to work together to improve the quality of early childhood education. All affiliates provide opportunities for professional development that can help your program to build public understanding and support for high quality early childhood programs.  Services vary, but most affiliates have an Accreditation Chair dedicated to providing support to programs working to earn and maintain NAEYC Accreditation.  Find information about a local or state affiliate in your area.