Welcome Early Childhood Friends:
Whether you are a long-time member of NAEYC and WECA, a new professional in the field, or someone just interested in children’s issues; we welcome you to the official Wyoming Early Childhood Association’s new web site.
WECA is your Wyoming grassroots organization focused on being a voice that advocates for unity on issues involving children – birth to eight years of age; and those that educate and care for these children. The voice and position of WECA is based on the latest research, long-developed best practices, and the common sense of Wyoming’s people.
For over twenty-eight years, professional development has been the highlight and strength of this organization. The annual conferences have brought in highly respected national professionals to share the limelight with our state’s best; to educate, motivate and rejuvenate the educational community in enriching the lives of children.
With the challenging economic times, WECA has chosen to broaden our opportunities to reach all of you through the web site and the new e-newsletter published four times a year. These two areas have proved to be a challenge to get off the ground, but we hope to keep you better informed, increasingly involved and enduringly connected. Please take time to review the Three-Year Strategic Plan that your Board developed and uses as a guideline. Note the following accomplishments so far:
- Advocacy – develop partnerships – Coalition for Wyoming Children; and other state wide initiatives
- As part of our strengthening communication we have this new web site which will also host our newsletters; conference and other training information; advocacy opportunities and NAEYC connections. During the next year we will begin to add articles of education.
- Refocus the leadership opportunities through re-definition of roles, length of service; See the proposed By-Law changes.
- Regional representatives are located in all eight regions and are utilizing emails to communicate to members on a regular basis. If you haven’t heard from your representative lately, email them with questions and suggestions. They are your immediate representatives to the Board.
- To enhance public relations we hope that Regional representatives are getting their committees for planning activities and communication within the regions.
- Our first ever Regional Spring Training was hosted in Cheyenne in June. This begins a new phase where a major training will be offered within a region; Electronic copies will be made of the training and then each region can schedule their own session utilizing these STARS approved trainings. Watch our future calendar for the training in your area this winter.
You are important to this great work! We need your helping hands across the State to accomplish our work for the children. I invite you to contact us with your individual interests and expertise. This is your organization; I, as your president, and your Board are here to serve you.
May the lives you touch grow into strong citizens of Wyoming.
Sincerely,
Peggy Marie Smith, WECA President
