National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education

NAECS/SDE is a national organization for state education agency staff members with major responsibilities in the field of early childhood education. The association promotes quality services to young children and their families through improvement of instruction, curriculum, and administration of programs. The specific purposes of the organization are to enhance the efforts of state departments of education on behalf of young children; strengthen communication and coordination among states; influence and support policies and legislation that affect the education, health, and welfare of children and their families; offer assistance and leadership in researching, analyzing, and recommending standards for quality early childhood and teacher preparation programs; and promote communication and coordination between state departments of education and other agencies and professional organizations serving young children. Currently housed at the Missouri department of education.