What We Do
The Appalachian Early Childhood Network provides professional development and advocacy efforts that support young children, their families, and the early childhood professionals that serve them.
Training
AECN provides practical, affordable, and high-quality training for early childhood professionals in Appalachia.
Technical Assistance
AECN’s Family Child Care Specialists offer individualized assistance and support to in-home family child care providers and anyone interested in starting an in-home family child care business. All of our services are collaborative, relationship-based, and completely free.
We offer TA related to child care certification and licensing standards and establishing and maintaining provider certification and licensing.
We offer Family Child Care Foundations sessions to anyone interested in starting an in-home family child care business. Our sessions address every step in opening a family child care and equip individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.
Advocacy
AECN focuses on working for change in early childhood care and education by advocating for child care professionals, children, and families at the local, state, and national levels.
Our Mission
The Appalachian Early Childhood Network
works to build an environment that supports quality, affordable early care and education for families in Appalachia.
Our Vision
Families in Appalachia have access to quality affordable early care and education that leads to all children reaching their fullest potential.
Our Passion
Serving children, families, and early childhood professionals in the Appalachian Region
AECN’s advocacy efforts and professional development opportunities affirm our commitment to high-quality, affordable child care for all families.
The growth and development of young children is at the heart of our work. We partner with families and early childhood professionals to imagine the possibilities of children in Appalachia. AECN knows that the first five years are critical and we promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of our children. Supporting children and the adults in their lives is our passion!
Areas We Serve
We proudly serve the Eastern Mountain and Cumberland Regions represented in yellow on the map.
