AAAEYC
Akron Area Association for the Education of Young Children   

Express your voice, engage in a professional community and influence the future of early childhood

The Akron Area Association for the Education of Young Children is the recognized authority in Early Childhood Education in Summit, Portage and Medina counties, helping to ensure quality programs for young children, birth to age eight. In existence for over 50 years, the AAAEYC has steadily grown to its current membership of over 250.

Our Vision:  

AAAEYC strives to lead and consolidate the efforts of individuals and groups working to achieve healthy development and constructive education for all young children.

Our Mission:

AAAEYC's mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children and their families in Summit, Portage and Medina counties of Ohio with a special emphasis on developmental and educational services and resources; and to foster the growth and development of the membership in their work with and on behalf of young children.

AAAEYC Grant & Scholarship Information

Fall 2009

In addition to The Good Idea Grant, there are currently two scholarships available—The Marilyn Riley Parks Scholarship and The Rogalinda McDonald Scholarship. These are made available through generous contributions from individuals, local businesses, corporations, and educational institutions, and the income generated from the Health and Safety trainings.

The Good Idea Grant (up to $750)

The Good Idea Grant was created to support early care and education providers seeking a way to implement an improvement to his/her program. This grant is open to centers, classroom teachers and in-home providers. Ideas include, but are not limited to: going green, creating a garden, sponsoring a parents night, etc. If you have a great idea you have been wanting to try, this grant is for you!

Submit a detailed report of your good idea, including the reason for the project, how it will be implemented, and its impact. You must list any other agencies or grantors who are also contributing funds to this project.

Your request must be received no later than January 31, 2010, to A.A.A.E.Y.C , P.O. Box 1331, Akron, OH 44309-1331. For more information please contact Pam Oviatt at poviatt2@aol.com. Click here for the application in Word or here for the PDF version.

The Marilyn Riley Parks Scholarship ($750)

The Marilyn Riley Parks Memorial Scholarship was established in honor and recognition of Marilyn for her life-long achievements as an educator, a nurturer, a colleague and a friend to the past and present members of Akron Area A.E.Y.C., and to the children and families in the Greater Akron area. This is an annual scholarship made available to students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in early childhood education.

The Rogalinda McDonald Scholarship ($325, plus a one-year comprehensive membership)

Rogalinda McDonald Memorial Scholarship was established in honor and recognition of Rogalinda who served the field early care and education as a child care licensing supervisor with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Canton District Office. Rogalinda was dedicated to enhancing quality of care for children in childcare environments. She was a strong supporter of the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), a nationally recognized entry-level early childhood credential available through the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. This is an annual scholarship made available to currently employed child care center staff or family child care providers pursuing their CDA or CDA renewal.  

To Apply for Scholarships

To apply for any of these scholarships, you must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Complete the application in its entirety. Answers to questions must reflect upper level thinking and demonstrate professionalism and insight on the part of the applicant.

2. Attach the following documents:  (a) copy of your transcript, (b) one letter of recommendation from an instructor, employer, mentor, etc. (c) proof of enrollment in college or CDA classes.

3. Your application must be received no later than March 31, 2010 to AAAEYC, P.O. Box 1331, Akron, OH 44309-1331.

4. Scholarship winners will be required to attend a dinner in April sponsored by AAAEYC to be recognized.

5. The check will be made payable directly to the college, university or training program. All questions may be directed to Pam Oviatt, President of the Board for the AAAEYC, poviatt2@aol.com.

6. Incomplete applications will not be read or reviewed.

Download the application here (MS Word) or here (PDF)