Change is often difficult, but necessary. Like many of you, AECN staff would prefer to provide face to face sessions whenever possible. This past year has left no other option but online professional development. Fortunately, AECN had already prepared participants for the transition. Soon, KT will be receiving training on how to offer a variety of professional development opportunities online in […]
Blog/News
Spotlight: Kristin Walker Collins
Kristin Walker Collins, Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky AECN Board Member Kristin Walker Collins is the Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky (Foundation) in Hazard, Kentucky, the only nationally accredited community foundation in southeastern Kentucky. Before starting her career in philanthropy, Kristin worked as an attorney specializing in […]
Spotlight: Penny Smith
Penny Smith, Program Coordinator, IECE Program Hazard Community and Technical College AECN Board Member Penny Smith is no stranger to early childhood professionals in Eastern Kentucky! She has spent her adult years working to improve young children’s lives. Her life experiences and education make her a wonderful advocate for children, families, and early childhood professionals. She is […]
Spotlight: Carrie Altmaier
Carrie Altmaier, Director of St. Patrick Preschool, Pulaski County AECN Board Member Carrie has dedicated her life to early care and education for over 3 decades! She has been the Director of St. Patrick Preschool for 34 years. St. Patrick is a 5 STAR program that was NAEYC accredited for over 10 years. The program serves children 3, […]
Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children
What is the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children? It is a group, or “coalition of non-profit, public, and private organizations” that focuses on 3 priorities. (2021 State Policy Priorities) These are thriving communities launching strong families, strong families in turn, launching successful children, and successful children launching prosperous futures for themselves and Kentucky. The impact of […]
Hello Early Childhood Professionals!
Becky Stacy, AECN Executive Director One of my earliest memories is being dropped off to my babysitter when I was around two years old. Her name was Mrs. Hall. She was a sweet, white haired lady who lived at the bottom of what seemed like a million steps on the riverbank in Jackson, Kentucky. She […]
Family Child Care Networks: How To Develop Supports!
One of AECN’s goals in 2021 is to recruit and help support new and current family child care providers. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having small group settings for child care in local communities. If you are currently operating a family child care home and would like information related to regulations, or if […]
The Impact of COVID-19 on Early Childhood
Here are some pointers to help address the impact of Covid 19 on young children, their families and those who serve them! “Taking a minute to close your eyes and breathe in and out can also help. That’s because slow breathing tells your body’s stress system to ease up a bit. This can help you […]
The Importance of Certified Family Child Care Homes
Jessica Cain, M.Ed Certified Family Child Care is an integral piece of our early care and education system. Family child care allows early education services in communities that may not have other options. This small business provides families the essential care needed so that parents can provide for their children. You provide the necessary services […]