Governing Board applications are now being accepted.

Eligibility requirements

NAEYC members in good standing are eligible for Board service. Any such member is welcome to apply for consideration by the Governance Committee, which is responsible for constructing each year’s slate. Inclusion on the slate is contingent upon completion of background checks. Additionally, the following limitations have been placed on the selection of candidates:

• A person will not be a prospective potential candidate, potential candidate, or candidate for any other position (officer or otherwise) while serving a term on the Board, with the exception of individuals appointed to complete an unexpired term.
• A Board member who resigned prior to serving their full term will not be considered for any Board position (officer or otherwise) if the Board member resigned in order to run for any position on the Board.
• Individuals who have had a contract with NAEYC or any of its Affiliates within 12 months of the date of application are not eligible for consideration as a potential candidate (does not include honoraria).
• No former employee of NAEYC should be considered for Board service until three (3) years have passed since their last day of employment.
• It is recognized that occasionally a person with prior Board experience might represent the combination of qualities most needed by the organization, thus the possibility of nominating a person with prior Board experience is not eliminated.
• Student Board Members must be a currently registered and enrolled students engaged in a program of study leading to a graduate degree at a regionally accredited college or university during the quarter (or semester) in which elected. Student Board Members must maintain their registered and enrolled student status throughout their term unless they graduate.

 
Application

The following materials are required:

• Résumé: Outline your employment history for the past 10 years, relevant board or governance experience within the last 10 years, and any publications, awards, or notable accomplishments from the past 5 years.
• Personal Statement (maximum 800 words): Describe how your knowledge, skills, and experience align with and would support NAEYC’s current Strategic Direction.
• References: Provide two professional letters of recommendation that highlight your qualifications as a prospective Board member. Note: Current NAEYC Governing Board or staff members may not serve as references. One letter must be from your current employer or supervisor. If you are self-employed, please provide a letter from your most recent client.

Application and Selection Process

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 28, 2025. The Governance Committee will review all submissions and select a group of candidates for virtual interviews in September. Following interviews and internal deliberations, the Committee will recommend a proposed slate to the Governing Board for approval in October. Typically, two candidates are recommended per available position. All individuals on the recommended slate must complete a criminal background check and sexual offender registry check. For details, see the Background Screening guidelines.

Timeline

• June 2025: Applications open
• July 28, 2025: Application deadline
• September 2025: Virtual candidate interviews and Governance Committee deliberations
• October 2025: Governing Board votes on slate
• November 2025: Slate is announced, and candidates are introduced at Annual Conference*. Elections open and eligible NAEYC members receive voting instructions.
• January 12, 2026: Election closes and results announced within one week.
• September 1, 2026: New board members are seated

*Student candidates who are selected for the final slate will receive financial support to attend Annual Conference in Orlando, FL.

To nominate a NAEYC member to apply for the Governing Board, click here! Any member in good standing is eligible to apply for the Governing Board. All nominees are also required to submit an application by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 28, 2025, to be considered.