Sharing History to Inspire
OURPROUDHERITAGE
Remembering and Building on Our Proud Heritage
Acknowledging the history of organizations like NAEYC is essential for enriching the field of early childhood education. By celebrating key figures and significant milestones, NAEYC fosters a robust professional identity among educators and the professionals who support them, strengthening their commitment to the vital work they do. This recognition serves not only to inspire current practitioners through the stories of role models but also motivates them to innovate and persevere in their practices and contribute to the collective identity and mission of NAEYC.
Moreover, reflecting on NAEYC’ s history encourages the continuous improvement of educational methods and deepens our understanding of the field’ s evolution. By valuing diverse contributions, we promote inclusivity and collaboration among professionals, creating a stronger community dedicated to the welfare of children. Additionally, honoring the pioneers of our field enhances our credibility and strengthens our advocacy efforts for effective policies that support education and child development.
Ultimately, this collective remembrance of our proud heritage empowers educators and fortifies community ties. Throughout NAEYC’ s historical progression, the organization’ s efforts have consistently moved toward three enduring aims— advancing the preparation and equitable practice of early childhood professionals, cultivating public understanding and advocacy for high-quality early learning, and fortifying a strong, inclusive institutional framework that sustains the field’ s growth and integrity.
By recognizing our past, we not only enhance the credibility of our profession but also lay the groundwork for a more informed and effective approach to nurturing future generations. Embracing our history is crucial for shaping a vibrant future in early childhood education, ensuring that we remain dedicated to the growth and development of each and every child.
The Our Proud Heritage Column
Charlotte Hern, Jerry Aldridge, and Grace Jepkemboi Komol
Sharing History to Inspire
Since Dr. Dorothy Hewes began the History Seminar at NAEYC’ s Annual Conference in 1972, many looked forward to participating in the yearly sessions until they were integrated into the general conference program after 2018. Dr. Edna Runnels Ranck, moderator of the History Seminar, Dr. Charlotte Anderson( now Hern), and other early childhood historians worked to showcase the history of the field in a column in Young Children. Their work resulted in the Our Proud Heritage column. Its mission was to share insights from the history of early childhood education to help educators develop teaching goals and objectives today. The first edition appeared in the March 2010 issue. From 2010 to 2016, the column was co-edited by
18 Young Children
Spring 2026