activities · 20
what they do
direct service · 9
- Member Communication and Information Dissemination Member Newsletter & Magazine DistributionMaintains an electronic presence through a webpage, Facebook, Instagram, and a professional listserv to facilitate communication among members and provide information, updates, and research on early childhood development and education.
- Promote the Week of the Young Child Week of the Young Child CoordinationHosts a kick-off event and promotes the Week of the Young Child, an event celebrating early childhood and its supporting families, educators, and advocates.
- Promote the Week of the Young Child Week of the Young Child CoordinationHosts a kick-off event and promotes the Week of the Young Child, an annual event celebrating early childhood and its supporting families, educators, and advocates.
- Promotion of Week of the Young Child Week of the Young Child CoordinationPromotes and hosts events for the Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration of early childhood and its supporting families, educators, and advocates, including a kick-off event and an annual poster contest.
- Provide on-site coaching for educators Youth Mentoring ProgramsOffers on-site coaching for cohort members to reinforce knowledge and skills gained through professional development programs.
- Recognition and Awards for Early Childhood Professionals Education Personnel Recognition ProgramsRecognizes outstanding early childhood education professionals and programs in Southern Arizona through an established awards program, including an Annual Awards Brunch and recognition of NAEYC-accredited programs.
- Recognize excellence in early childhood education Education Personnel Recognition ProgramsRecognizes outstanding early childhood education professionals and NAEYC-accredited programs through an established awards program, including an annual awards brunch and a poster contest for Month of the Young Child.
- Recognize excellence in early childhood education Education Personnel Recognition ProgramsRecognizes outstanding early childhood education professionals and community leaders through an established awards program, an annual awards brunch, and recognition of NAEYC-accredited programs.
- Support for College Credit through Las Familias ProgramFacilitates opportunities for college credit for cohort members of the Las Familias program through partnerships with institutions like Pima Community College, with six members currently enrolled.
advocacy · 2
- Advocacy for Early Childhood Programs Early Childhood Education AdvocacyEngages in advocacy efforts for early childhood programs, including hosting congressional representatives at early learning centers to highlight the importance of early childhood education.
- Advocate for early childhood programs Early Childhood Education AdvocacyEngages in advocacy efforts, such as hosting elected officials at early learning centers to promote early childhood programs.
capacity building · 9
- Facilitate communication and information sharing for members Member Newsletter & Magazine DistributionMaintains an electronic presence through a webpage, Facebook, Instagram, and a professional listserv to facilitate communication among members and provide information, updates, and research on early childhood development and education.
- Maintain communication and information resources Member Newsletter & Magazine DistributionMaintains an electronic presence through a webpage, Facebook, Instagram, and a professional listserv to facilitate communication among members and provide information, updates, and research on early childhood development and education.
- Offer scholarships and grants for early childhood professionals Targeted Educational ScholarshipsProvides the Brenda Loomis "Hello My Friend" scholarship to support individuals in early childhood education, offers college credit for "Las Familias" cohort members through Pima Community College, and awards mini-grants to teachers and service providers for special projects.
- Operate the "Las Familias: Whole Teacher, Whole Child Community Of Practice" programRuns the "Las Familias" program, which includes monthly discussion groups, school visits, on-site coaching, and opportunities for college credit through Pima Community College for early childhood educators.
- Professional Development and Training for Early Childhood EducatorsProvides diverse professional development opportunities for early childhood educators through an annual conference, seminars, workshops, and a "Las Familias" community of practice, which includes monthly discussion groups, school visits, and on-site coaching. These offerings provide up to 8 hours of professional development and are attended by over 500 professionals annually.
- Provide professional development and training for early childhood educators Educator Professional Development ProgramsOffers diverse professional development opportunities, including an annual conference providing up to 8 hours of training, workshops, seminars, and monthly discussion groups through the "Las Familias" community of practice, reaching over 500 early childhood professionals annually.
- Provide professional development for early childhood educators Educator Professional Development ProgramsOffers diverse professional development opportunities for early childhood educators, including an annual conference providing up to 8 hours of training, workshops on DEI and ECE community needs, and seminars throughout the year attended by over 500 professionals annually.
- Provide scholarships and grants for early childhood professionals Targeted Educational ScholarshipsOffers the Brenda Loomis "Hello My Friend" scholarship to support individuals in early childhood education and provides mini-grants annually to teachers and service providers for special projects.
- Scholarship and Grant Programs Targeted Educational ScholarshipsOffers the Brenda Loomis "Hello My Friend" scholarship and other scholarship programs to support early childhood education professionals in pursuing advanced education and attending conferences. The organization also awards annual mini-grants to teachers and service providers for special projects benefiting children and families.
strategies · 14
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advocating for high-quality early childhood education and equitable access early_childhood_advocacyThe organization advocates for inclusive policies and practices, confronts biases, and promotes the importance of early childhood years as foundational for success. This includes engaging with policymakers, educating the community, and supporting policies that ensure equitable access to high-quality early learning for all children.
- Advocating for high-quality early learning and equitable access early_childhood_advocacyThe organization promotes the importance of early childhood years as foundational for success and advocates for national and state policies that support equitable access to high-quality, inclusive early learning. This includes engaging with legislators, encouraging member participation in the political process, and raising public awareness.
- Advocating for high-quality, equitable early childhood education early_childhood_advocacyThe organization advocates for inclusive policies and practices, confronts biases, and promotes the importance of early childhood years as foundational for success. This includes engaging with legislators, training members on advocacy, and raising public awareness to support equitable access to high-quality early learning for all children.
- Building collaborative relationships through shared leadership collaborative_governanceThe organization builds strong collaborative relationships by fostering shared leadership, inclusive participation, and mutual respect among stakeholders, which contributes to its overall effectiveness and impact.
- Connecting practice, policy, and research to advance early childhood education connecting_practice_policy_researchThe organization aims to improve early learning outcomes by bridging the gap between practical application, policy development, and research findings. This strategy is designed to advance the early childhood profession and ensure high-quality education for children from birth through age 8.
- Connecting practice, policy, and research to advance early childhood education connecting_practice_policy_researchThe organization improves the quality of early learning by bridging the gap between practical application, policy development, and research findings, thereby advancing the early childhood profession and supporting high-quality education for children.
- Connecting practice, policy, and research to advance early childhood education connecting_practice_policy_researchThe organization works to advance the early childhood profession and promote high-quality early learning by bridging the gap between practical application, policy development, and research findings.
- Fostering collaborative and reflective organizational practices organizational_excellenceThe organization operates with transparency, emphasizes innovation and accountability, and builds collaborative relationships through shared leadership and mutual respect. It also uses reflection on evidence and diverse perspectives for continuous quality improvement.
- Fostering professional development and a community of practice professional_development_community_of_practiceThe organization supports high-quality education by providing professional development opportunities and strengthening a Community of Practice. This approach helps educators implement Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), deepen their understanding, and pursue degrees in early childhood education, fostering lifelong learning.
- Fostering professional development and a community of practice professional_development_community_of_practiceThe organization supports high-quality education by providing professional development opportunities, strengthening a Community of Practice to implement Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), and encouraging lifelong learning and degree completion in early childhood education.
- Promoting excellence and innovation in early childhood education excellence_and_innovationThe organization fosters excellence and innovation by challenging assumptions, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and recognizing significant contributions to the field through awards programs. This approach aims to elevate the quality of early childhood education and inspire continuous improvement.
- Promoting excellence and innovation in early childhood education excellence_and_recognitionThe organization fosters excellence and innovation by challenging assumptions, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and recognizing significant contributions to the field through awards programs, thereby elevating the quality of early childhood education.
- Promoting excellence and professional development in early childhood education professional_development_and_recognitionThe organization aims to improve teaching and learning, raise the quality of early childhood education programs, and build the early childhood profession by providing high-quality professional development, recognizing contributions through awards, and fostering a community of practice for implementing developmentally appropriate practices.
- Utilizing a membership model for engagement and support membership_engagementThe organization employs a membership model to recruit individuals, thereby engaging them in its mission to improve teaching and learning, raise program quality, and build the early childhood profession.
named programs · 5
what they call their work
Brenda Loomis “Hello My Friend” Scholarship
Scholarship program supporting early childhood professionals in pursuing advanced education and attending professional development events
Early Childhood Awards
Recognition program honoring outstanding professionals in categories including Infant and Toddler Educator, Literacy Leader, STEAM Innovator, and historic awards for parent education, community action, teacher education, and teaching
Las Familias: Whole Teacher, Whole Child Community of Practice
Monthly professional development cohort providing coaching, training, and college credit through Pima Community College to support Developmentally Appropriate Practice in early childhood classrooms
Mini-Grant Program
Annual funding for teachers and early childhood service providers to implement special projects with children and families
SAZAEYC Annual Conference
Annual event offering high-quality professional development workshops for over 500 early childhood professionals each year
relationships · 30
who they work with
- Aqua Caliente Elementary School Partner — Ashley Barbara, Executive Director/CEO, volunteers with its PTG.
- Arizona Children's Association Partner — Ashley Barbara, Executive Director/CEO, previously served this nonprofit.
- Arizona First Things First Funder — United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona receives its funding from Arizona First Things First, which indirectly funds SAZAEYC's grant.
- AzAEYC Partner — Supports and collaborates with AzAEYC, aligning with a 2017 Memorandum of Understanding to create a cohesive message to community leaders and officials about high-quality early learning.
- Blake Foundation Partner — Agency that aligns with SAZAEYC's mission and supports trainings.
- Child Parent Centers Partner — Agency that aligns with SAZAEYC's mission and supports trainings.
- Child and Family Resources Partner — Agency that aligns with SAZAEYC's mission and supports trainings.
- Emily Meschter ELC Partner — Location where SAZAEYC's VP of Public Policy and Awareness hosted Congresswoman Martha McSally.
- Martha McSally Government — Congresswoman hosted by SAZAEYC's VP of Public Policy and Awareness to advocate for early childhood programs.
- NAEYC Network — Functions as an affiliate to NAEYC and recognizes NAEYC-accredited programs.
- National Association for the Education of Young Children Network — Affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- National Association for the Education of Young Children Network — Local affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- National Association for the Education of Young Children Network — Participates in the Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration sponsored by NAEYC.
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Network — The organization was chartered into NAEYC in 1965.
- Pima College First Things First Partner — NAEYC leadership met with scholars to discuss benefits of NAEYC membership and desired services.
- Pima Community College Partner — Provides college credit for cohort members through Pima Community College, with tuition paid by state funding and student fees potentially covered by the grant.
- Sunnyside Unified School District Partner — Becka Lopez, Vice President, Nominations and Awards, taught in early childhood classrooms in this district for 8 years.
- TUSD Partner — Agency that aligns with SAZAEYC's mission and supports trainings.
- Tanque Verde Lutheran Pre K and Kindergarten Partner — Ashley Barbara, Executive Director/CEO, serves on its Board of Directors.
- Tanque Verde Lutheran Preschool Partner — Hosted the "Pizza & Para-pros" event.
- Tucson Community School Partner — Donates office space to SAZAEYC.
- Tucson Community Schools Partner — Holds monthly board meetings at Tucson Community Schools.
- Tucson Medical Center Partner — Ashley Barbara, Executive Director/CEO, previously served this nonprofit.
- United Way of Tucson Partner — Community partner that helps the organization be viable.
- United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Funder — Receives grant monies from United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, acting as a sub-grantee.
- United Way’s Great Expectations Program Funder — Funds the "Las Familias" community of practice for professional development.
- University of Arizona Partner — Hosts the annual conference at the University of Arizona.
- University of Arizona Partner — Jessica Crocco, Services and Communications Coordinator, holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from this university. Becka Lopez, Vice President, Nominations and Awards, is an Assistant Professor of Practice and Director of Early Childhood Education Teacher Preparation Program at this university.
- University of Arizona College of Education Partner — Community partner that helps the organization be viable.
- University of Phoenix Partner — Jessica Crocco, Services and Communications Coordinator, holds an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from this university.