Arkansas Early Childhood Association Summit Survey Responses

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Enhance the lives of children, families
and early childhood professionals.

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Responses to 2007 AECA Summit Survey

Below are the responses to the AECA Summit Survey:

1. What was the best thing AECA has ever done as an organization?

Serving as the umbrella for EC advocates
The conferences each year -2; It offers opportunities to network, as well as get valuable training.
Undated calendar of ideas and host SECA
Early childhood conference, making and supporting early childhood professionals
A great resource and great conferences; Providing an annual conference - 2
AECA has the best early childhood conference
The Fall Conference. It is well run and well thought out.
Training for family day care providers
They throw great conferences! Lots of choices in sessions. Warm/welcoming environment and involvement in the Invest Early Collaboration.
Provide a quality annual conference with a variety of informational, educational, appropriate workshops and guest speakers. Also consistent location and affordability.
Provided a professional organization to take a stand for young children and their families and helped early childhood professional’s network.
Probably the quality training provided every year at the State Conference.
Quality of conference and advocacy.
Providing the general sessions that are appealing to the attendees. Moving the conference to Hot Springs. Providing the Walk through Activities. Providing the high quality speakers each year.
Provide a wonderful conference, and after hurricane Katrina we had a book drive for the early childhood centers that were affected by the disaster.
Bring people together that have a common goal.

2. What do you think early childhood educators need from a professional association?

Advocacy. We need a networking system so we work together instead of being in competition with each other-there are enough opportunities for children but many are not quality places.
To share ideas, talk about policies affecting the profession, talk about problems and how to solve them, and advocate for children and families.
To be kept abreast of current research/what “best practices” really are, training opportunities.
Networking and education training, to be a part of professional association.
Support and encouragement
Training, resources, support, networking -3
A way to network, share ideas and access to resources that they can not acquire as an individual program. Example: Nationally known speakers out, also services like insurance, multi-unit buying power.
Training and network opportunities, as well as a group of professionals with a voice to promote best practice for young children.
Advocacy. We need a networking system so we work together instead of being in competition with each other-there are enough opportunities for children but many are not quality places.
Support, expertise, available information, and relevant trainings and workshops.
Networking. Information regarding best practices.
Resources, support, and an opportunity to contribute professionally.
I think they need somewhere to find accurate information, including services for children and families. I’m not sure if this is a role AECA can play, but I certainly think they can help.
Opportunities to network. (1
Besides a state conference that provides professional development, they need information to grow as a professional sent to them.
Opportunities for involvement that does not take them away from their own families. Provide a conference that offers opportunities to learn the very latest research/information that is about how to work with families and children. Provide a conference that offers opportunities to meet others and network with them – those that have the same roles; directors, teachers, or assistants.
Training opportunities
Encouragement and opportunities to serve on the board
Opportunities to be more active in the association.
A voice in the state, district and communities they serve.

3. What do early childhood professionals in your area really like?

Active workshops-something new (different).
Things to be “convenient”, for employers to be supportive
Network and education news
Conferences
Training (free)
I really don’t know about all of them, but those that have talked with me say more training in our area. I live in Hope.
Camaraderie, building relationships with fellow early childhood professionals, consistent trainings (times, dates, location), quality and informative training, door prizes, snacks, CEUs.
Unfortunately, someone else to do the work for them.
Workshops that are practical and fun and they also like free stuff.
High quality training relevant to their work
Easily accessible training (not too far from home).
The ones I have worked with are very appreciative of any information or help they receive.
Training with substance, that provides real life answers to their questions.
To take a break from their jobs to learn something new and become re-energized.
Ideas they can use

4. What do you think early childhood professionals in your area do not like?

Many see training as a “I have to”, but application is limited.
To be officers in an affiliate or have any duties whatsoever.
Having to “give up” own time, being informed what “best practice” really is.
Meetings at night. But they can’t do the meetings during the day. Just hard to give up more time when you work all day.
Attending meetings -2.
Travel for training
Keeping up to date on training, workshops (getting the 10 hours). Some do not want to travel for quality training; some would like to get paid while they are in training (do not feel they should get training on their time, nights/weekends).
They don’t want to have to do anything “extra” past the requirements of their job.
Too much high brow research info with no evident practical application in sight.
Feeling isolated and disconnected, like they are “unseen”.
They do not like the pay.
Do not appreciate being preached to or read to.
Boring training/trainer
Wasting their time

5. How can AECA address what children in our state really need?

Professionals need to be recognized for the services they provide (valued) and be compensated for their work. There are many professionals around, but there are also many caregivers who just work at a job. This is a complex issue and we must be creative to raise the professional ethics of EC professionals.
They try to push legislation
Educate families and legislators to what “best practice” with young children is.
At the AECA conference, work with local providers on how to help each area where there are different needs.
Continue to communicate with teachers and staff: research, ideas, in-services, encouragement…
Increase capacity and improve quality
Have more information about current training, and training in our area.
A stronger advocacy component. Something at the local level to share resources/network, but also communicate local needs back to the state level so the state can make informed, up-to-date decisions.
First, AECA must determine what those needs are, then make a plan to meet those needs. I (Dot Brown) would like to see the licensing regulations strengthened, especially in the staff/child ratio and allowing 2 ½ year old children to be considered preschool at times.)
Only through professionals working together for common goals.
Continue to offer their care providers up-to-date information concerning child care funding, appropriate practices in child care, and personal professional growth.
Learn what the needs are and deal with them specifically. Work with other organizations that are specialized – CASA, Children’s Rights Council, Advocacy organization, etc…..
Educate consumers and decision makers about how young children learn.
First, we need to know what the needs of the children in our state are. That means getting more connected to and involved with local centers, preferably through stronger, more active affiliates.
I think we really need to take a look at how the needs are changing. AECA needs to change with the times.
Parents educated in the needs of their children.
Conducting research/surveys to see what the need is. Then we will have to determine how to address those needs.
First, we need to determine what our children need to know and then we need to determine what teachers need to know to address needs of children. Information concerning how to better work with parents on topics such as: Obesity/physical activities, Time management, Managing their finances. What can AECA provide to assist families in “getting it together” so they will not be stressed and then help their children.
Being more vocal on issues

6. What do you think is lacking in AECA?

Improved communication from AECA, staff to all areas
I would like to see AECA conduct a service project every year. This would give the members a chance not only to be active in their association but a chance to benefit their community as well.
Clear purpose and focus.
Connection to individual members
A clear mission and common goal.
I think AECA is lacking in direction. The need for AECA is different than it was 10 years ago.
Affiliate involvement.
We need a strong leadership development system in place; Members to take leadership roles.
Communication with young families so that grows to learn what is best.
AECA cannot help educators if they do not attend events or communicate their needs.
Up-to-date membership list
More family day care involvement
A purpose year-round. Something to keep people involved before and after the conference at a local level.
A paid employee who attends board meetings and provides consistent information to AECA programs and so there is continuity in all areas. Needs to be more consistent communication with local affiliates. Needs to be more support (financially and program) for local affiliates. AECA Board needs to make concise decisions so that issues are not discussed over and over again…and follow through. Need ways to encourage and promote AECA membership. Can AECA be the agency/group that can offer members group health insurance?
The desire of so many to serve a professional organization.
A common voice on early childhood issues.

7. Is your local affiliate thriving? If yes, explain why you feel it’s thriving.

Not that I’m aware of; No -4; No – non-existent
Maintaining.
I don’t know. I’ve tried to get involved with my local affiliate and never had any luck.
OM-AECA is surviving. We search for different ways to get more centers involved. Arkansas Children’s Week has provided an opportunity for us to participate in a community celebration of the young child.
Yes, the same people tend to attend the meetings and enjoy visiting with each other. We all have a common interest and we enjoy sharing with each other. We also receive a training hour because we have a guest speaker at each meeting. And snacks of course. There are also some CDA Advisors that make it part of the class requirement.
No – no meetings have been held for two years.
Unaware of a local affiliate
NWAECA is kind of thriving; we have a good group of membership. It’s hard to get new day care centers to join, when they feel they have so much going on. Training is being offered more in our area.
It is a work in progress. A lot depends on the elected leadership.
Yes, it seems that they are listening to the local child care providers and doing something about it.
HSECA has consistent attendance, both members and non-members. We provide quality programs, training, and workshops. CEU’s are offered through NPCC. Information about local meetings/trainings is provided well in advance and consistently so that members can plan ahead. We feel we are growing, but definitely have need for improvement. We have a good network of some local Directors working together.

8. Is your local affiliate struggling? If yes, please explain why you feel it’s struggling.

I wasn’t aware there was an active affiliate.
Not sure – I guess because everyone is too busy already.
A bit.
I am unaware of the state of my local affiliate.
I think they tried to do a “college” only affiliate, which was not successful.
No -2
Yes, no one wants the responsibility of leadership roles.
HSECA struggles financially. We would benefit from monetary support for programs & activities such as during Arkansas Children’s Week. We lack a sufficient # of leaders and volunteers and rely on the same peoples.
Yes
Yes. No attendance to meetings and very few workers or these willing to lead.
Yes. There are a lot more trainings we offered in our area.
See 7
Yes. No one wanted to take a leadership role, except for myself, and I held the affiliate together for 5 years basically on my own.
Yes, only way to get attendance at meetings is to take classes. Student leadership doesn’t work.
Yes, attendance to organize is low, but we have ideas to change this for the coming year.

9. What do you think is the purpose of the local affiliates?

Provide networking opportunities; Share info; Support and information.
Offer a support system for early childhood professionals.
Provide opportunities to share classroom ideas and activities.
Connect EC professionals in the area.
Inform the community about needs of young children.
To support child care professionals in the area and provide an opportunity for professional growth and contribution to the field.
I think it was to provide training opportunities for hours, but that seems to no longer be the focus. I know several of the affiliate’s only get together to work on a project or event of ACW.
Involvement – provide a connection for those unable to attend the state conference. Provide a community forum for centers and child care homes.
To build a group of people who have a common interest so we can rely on each other and learn from each other. To share our experiences, our success, as well as failures. We are our own best resources and we need to work together for the common goal of serving the children in our area.
It used to be needed to provide training opportunities for local people when few training opportunities were available.
Meeting the needs of our local childcare programs…providing information and training for people who are at the basic level.
We don’t really know, do we? I would like to see the move to a neutral convention of network opportunities with the broad EC community. A neutral place to share info, concerns, ideas and resources and a way for them to bring that to a state level.
To help us to gain knowledge.
Networking, professional development
To make new information/research more accessible to all areas of state. Networking with EC providers close by.
To support the members and meet their needs for training or assistance.
Develop leadership, networking, professionalism, and advocacy.
Gather local EC leaders and exchange ideas and create things to involve the communities’ awareness.

10. What do you think is the purpose of the AECA board?

Executive Board: To make sure that the association, as a state affiliate of SECA, is carrying out the mission of the regional organization.
Set policy and coordinate statewide initiatives.
Serve as resource for local affiliates.
To work together to create a vision; so support local affiliates; to plan the conference; to make decisions regarding how AECA monies will be appropriated.
To lead early childhood professionalism in the state. They need to be more involved in the new rating system and the AECPDS.
Administration. Provide opportunities for statewide networking.
To be the guiding force for the affiliates. To lead the association in the right direction and support the affiliates.
Provide leadership and direction for the organization.
Accountability to membership, leadership, keeping informed about what is going on in the profession and in the state, maintaining standards, work toward improving Early Childhood Education in AR.
Fiscal management, conference planning, recruit new members, get out relevant info * members (newsletters) but also legislative happening, trainings, research…Support local affiliates in their work.
To govern over the business and plan conferences.
Support all early childhood professionals; Support AR Early Childhood Professionals
Leadership, support, information
Plan/facilitate annual meeting, communication with memberships, and promotion of EC Education/Best Practice throughout state.
To govern the group and support affiliates and members.
Create the network to accomplish the above-tall order and we’ve been trying for years!

11. Do you attend local affiliate meetings? Why or why not?

No. I was not aware we had local meetings.
No. I’m usually never contacted about one. The ones I have been contacted about were at inconvenient times for me.
Yes. Feel obligation to support officers.
No. I am not aware of any meetings in my area. -3
No, because I NEVER received any information even after contacting current affiliate board members.
Yes. We are officers in the organization.
To be the guiding force for the affiliates. To lead the association in the right direction and support the affiliates.
No, many of the people who attended just wanted hours and were not willing to take any responsibilities or even join.
HSECA has a few consistent members that attend and lead in most activities. Others attend with minimal help; a few attend but do not participate or get involved in what is going on. And some very actively participate.
No. Have not seen a value compared at other opportunities to spend time.
No – did not know I could.
Yes – good info; Yes, to keep informed of what is going on in my local area
See 7
Yes – if we are able to have them they are great for information and encouragement.
Yes

12. Do you attend the annual AECA conference? Why or why not?

Yes, it gives me a great opportunity to keep in touch with what is going on in the field of early childhood.
Yes. It is one of the highlights of my year.
Yes. Networking opportunities. -2; Yes – great source of support and information
Yes -4; Yes, for new ideas, to network, get training and keep up-to-date
Yes. I enjoy hearing the different speakers and it’s a great way to network with professionals all over the state.
Yes, with bells on; Yes – Great conference; Yes – keep current and see friends
Yes, to network with others in the field and to gain knowledge through training.
Yes, I look forward to networking, attending sessions, and presenting.
Always! To network & socialize with other EC professionals. Guest speakers are excellent. Enjoy training and information offered. We have seen suggested improvements carried out each year and we say, Thank you!
Yes – love seeing our professionals in one place – more in question #1.
Yes, I am a professional – usually present and also enjoy meeting other professionals, getting new ideas.

13. Is the annual AECA conference beneficial to you? If yes, how? If no, what suggestions for improvements do you have for the conference planning committee?

Yes, I get most of my training from that conference.
You might not like this – but I am tired of Hot Springs and I think a more central location might benefit us for a change. I also would like for there to be more workshops clumped together – like the half-day trainings by someone good in a certain area.
Yes. Networking -2
Yes. It provides an opportunity to network with other ECE professionals and receive valuable training.
Yes and No. I enjoy the networking but in the role I’m in professionally, the sessions don’t really pertain to me. I have enjoyed the trainer track sessions, so I hope they continue.
Yes, the conference is of value. It provides a variety of trainings. Enjoyed activities like the Steven Fite concert, but are not really interested in the other “getting to know you” evening activities, nor the Fun Fair at the end of the conference.
Yes, it is beneficial. It helps me to get the mandatory training hours that I need yearly. Little Rock would be a more central location for everyone in the state if we had a place to hold the conference there.
Yes. See number 12.
Yes, networking and staying current on issues of the state
Get new ideas and information. Meet new people. Hear recognized speakers. Suggestions for improvement: Better communication as to what is expected of affiliates. For example: are affiliates to have a scrapbook and if so, where is it to be displayed? Would like to see more recognition of Quality Approved Centers…perhaps displays by some.
Yes, I feel that everyone is better than the year before. I would like more information for family day care providers.
Include workshops that participants can take home and use.
Yes, I love seeing fellow teachers and gain encouragement and ideas.
Beneficial – training hours
Yes. It keeps me up-to-date with new information in the field of early childhood education.
I think you can always learn something new or be reminded of previous learning. I think it would be beneficial to get colleges more involved in bringing students or encouraging them to come.
Yes

14. Please share any other thought about the Arkansas Early Childhood Association.

I love AECA, but I think we could do more service projects.
Contact some of the trainers you have had REALLY good evaluations and comments on and invite them to specialized longer than hour trainings.
This organization has the potential to do great things!
I think AECA really needs to think about the role of affiliates and whether or not they are working. There are numerous requirements to remain an affiliate and most of them are not meeting them. I think this summit will be a good opportunity to reflect on the direction AECA as an organization needs to go.
Would love to see a promotion of an atmosphere of trust among centers on a statewide basis. Would love to be able to visit other centers, especially those that are considered to be “on the cutting edge.” Would love to see AECA involved in Arkansas Quality Approval rating scale updates with some representation by actual site directors or staff members.
I have been a member for 10 years and feel I have benefited from my affiliation with this professional organization.
AECA is a great conference. I have always had the vision that the Head Start Conference and AECA be coordinated to meet the needs of both association’s goals, objectives and their members. I think this would strengthen both associations.
Always good representation at SECA Conference…both in attendance and in program. We appreciate your taking the time to listen to the members and that you take necessary actions toward improving our programs.
I am excited about the summit with the professional development $ the state has been able to allocate over the past 10 years. The old AECA function are less significant – it is time to reinvent ourselves and this will give us a great opportunity to do that with member input. Thank you for putting it together!
I am very glad it exists and I love being a part of it!
This summit is a great idea and I hope it is beneficial.