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.

Spotlight Center

Fairlawn Lutheran Preschool

Fairlawn Lutheran Church and Preschool held a spring mission project for service men and women connected to their congregation.  Preschool Director, Karla McDivitt, sat down with a couple of parents who have children serving to get a better understanding of how the church and preschool could support their children in military service.  After meeting with one dad, who has two children in the service, it was determined that personal care items were needed.  After meeting with one mom, whose daughter is serving, she recommended that collections could go to two orphanages that are close by to where her daughter is stationed.  One orphanage serves children up to age four, while the other orphanage is for boys through age 18.

An action plan was born and from February 22^nd-through March 22^nd collections were brought in to support both areas of need.  The church and preschool have been inundated with so many wonderful items!  They will be sending each of the 10 service men and women a box of personal care items along with notes from their preschool children.  The bulk of the donations were for the two orphanages.  Both the boys’ orphanage and the one for young children will be receiving several boxes packed full of items they will surely be put to good use. The shipping costs will be coming from several resources; preschool budget, congregation donations, Let’s R.O.C.K. “penny wars” collections (totaling $198.15 to date) and preschool family donations.  The Lords’ work can be a challenge but is always rewarding.  It’s good to see people giving in the midst of such tough economic times.  There may also be an opportunity for us to partner with Roadway Trucking to get the orphanage items up to Maine at a discounted cost, how cool is that!  This little service project will be making a large impact on many, many lives.