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 offers technical assistance through mentoring and coaching, including start up support for family child care homes. As part of the Family Child Care Network of Kentucky, AECN has 2 Family Child Care Specialists to serve you. Sonya Begley in the Cumberland Region and Tonya Lambert in the Eastern Mountain Region will soon be contacting you once the transition from Child Care Aware to The Family Child Care Network is complete!
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 serve all Kentucky counties recognized by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
