2021 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Valley Of The Sun Association For The Education Of Young Children

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Education

Mission: Words are not enough – we must take action to ensure that families have equitable access to opportunity. When we speak of “equity” we must start at the very beginning by providing quality learning environments for all. If our goal is to lift working families out of poverty, then we must take deliberate action to dismantle systemic barriers. Providing quality early childhood learning environments is critical to this transformation. Yet, Title I school playgrounds are notoriously hardscape with no trees, no gardens, and limited access to the natural world. We can do better.

Community Stories

19 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

jlstahl Board Member

Rating: 5

04/27/2023

I have been part of this group for a little over a year and the board members and other volunteers are committed to offering quality professional development, create gardens for schools and programs to support in children and to participate in community events to help children and families.

Gordon.Freeman.Brown Board Member

Rating: 5

04/27/2023

Valley of the Sun Early Childhood Association (VSECA) has been doing grassroots work on behalf of the Early childhood for 50 years. Their flagship program, "Flip this Playground" is unique and impactful programs, building beautiful teaching gardens at title one schools enhancing the educational and community environment for children that need it most. VSECA will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024!

cjkirk Board Member

Rating: 5

04/27/2023

I am so proud to be on this board. We have been able to create playgrounds, gardens for families and given them a community to relate to! Light this Fire is incredible! Early Childhood Educators are hungry for training!

gonzliz Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/27/2023

They sponsored our garden and planted seeds of love for growing, growing of not only fruits & vegetables, but of the love of literacy and learning overall!!! We LOVE Flip this Playground!!!

clapeck1 Board Member

Rating: 5

04/27/2023

I have worked with this organization for the past 3 years. This group works unselfishly to improve the school environment of teachers for young children to give them confidence, set up outside library locations and gardens at elementary schools to help build team activities. - all with limited funds!

Lisacobb Board Member

Rating: 5

08/10/2022

Valley of the Sun Chapter of the Association for the Education of Young Children has made significant changes in the early childhood field to support the development of young children, their families and the programs that help them thrive and reach their full potential.
It is comprised of leaders in the field who are dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families.
The work of Valley of the Sun has transformed hard scape playgrounds into beautiful meaningful landscapes where children learn and grow along with their families and educators. The professional development opportunities that are offered to those in the field and considering a career in the field of early childhood are very high quality and support the need for self care, building their skills and assist with managing the changes in our society and find healthy ways to deal with them.
It is a pleasure and honor to serve with such dedicated board members committed to changing the lives of children and their families.

1

hootie07071969 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

Amazing organization. I love the service projects and connecting to the community. Valley of the Sun continues to go over and above when it comes to serving children and families.

1

swinburn505 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

Being part of the VSAEYC board has been an honor. The Flip This Playground initiative brings intentional focus to the outdoor spaces of schools around the valley, and truly transforms these spaces from playgrounds to “outdoor classrooms”.

1

susan011 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/19/2021

The Valley of the Sun Early Childhood Association has dedicated itself to continuing professional development to many teachers and administrators in the Phoenix area. Their leadership has worked continuously to promote the importance of continuing education through seminars and education classes. They know that through dedication and tireless support, they can make a difference in the successful education of disadvantaged children in this area. Continually seeking monetary support is the main challenge that faces any organization. The Valley of the Sun understands this but continually succeeds in meeting its annual goals. It is a driven organization that would be missed if it ever had to close it’s doors.

1

claireschonaerts Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/19/2021

Over several years, Valley of the Sus Association for the Education of Young Children offered many opportunities for pre-service teachers to volunteer at the many events supported through this community-minded organization. Pre-service teachers profited from experiences that fostered direct contact with young children and their families.

1

Mjohnson8 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/18/2021

The Valley of the sun is dedicated to serving the community as well as children and families. Various services are provided in a setting of learning to enhance and further develop a child imagination the mariposa garden is a wonderful display of this.

bjohnsonftf Board Member

Rating: 5

09/07/2021

Valley of the Sun Association for the Education of Young Children is truly dedicated to helping young children, their families, and professionals in the early childhood field thrive. It has been a pleasure, as a Board Member, to see how everything the organization does revolves around helping young children. The Flip This Playground project has been a joy to watch, as outdoor spaces are transformed into beautiful, fruitful and educational spaces. I also love the Light the Fire professional development program that connects young professionals in the field. I am proud to be associated with such a devoted organization.

1

jstahl Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/07/2021

Valley of the Sun Association for the Education of Young Children is an amazing organization. I have been in the early childhood field for a long time. When I first started in my career, I could always count on VSAEYC to provide excellent professional development to help me provide a developmentally appropriate environment for my young learners. At the time, I worked in Head Start and VSAEYC supported new incoming educators with scholarships to continue pursuing education classes or CEU's. The board members work tirelessly to continue the mission of the state chapter AEYC and the national chapter NAEYC. Thank you for all your hard work , dedication and passion for the Birth to age 8 community.

1

davidlanscapes Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/05/2021

Helped to install gardens and library box at a Head Start location. This organization is helping the schools that need it most.

1

Lisa C.12 Board Member

Rating: 5

08/03/2021

They are committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. They have worked to achieve a collective vision: that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.
They are building leaders from the start with Professional Development opportunities for early childhood workforce and transforming playgrounds in much needed preschool and Title 1 schools.

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2

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/08/2020

I have volunteered with the Valley of the Sun Association for the Education of Young Children and they are dedicated to ensuring that they do their best to build quality in the early childhood workforce.
I have attended their professional development trainings offered in the state for providers working with young children and they are very informative and the best I have ever attended. The presenters are very knowledgeable and the classes are affordable for all.

The Flip This Playground project, creates opportunities to change a school's outdoor playground that is in poor condition and provide a rich environment where children can learn and grow. Parents and teachers are asked to participate in the construction making them part of this learning experience that will last for many years.

1

Harry C.1 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/14/2021

Valley of the Sun has been dedicated to developing the love of reading and learning to young students for many years. Their leadership and innovation towards bringing teachers and students together have fostered many tranquil, long-term settings that have stood the test of time. The principles that are employed are founded on principles and policies created by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

1

southam1963 Board Member

Rating: 5

07/11/2021

The Coyotes Foundation sponsored the Harmony Garden at Sunrise Preschool. last year which was such a great undertaking and greatly appreciated by The Valley of The Sun organization ,teachers , parents, but most of all by the students. This was a Flip the Playground Project whereby play,nature, and reading came together all in one location. It gave students a chance to be outdoors and to appreciate nature and . What a nice way to learn!!! Thank you Coyotes and everyone who made this project successful . Sincerely,, Susan Cahalan- member -at- large and teacher.

1

ahsteach Board Member

Rating: 5

10/08/2020

What an amazing organization that supports children and families.
Collaborators, students, partners, and community stakeholders benefit from the Valley of the Sun Association. If you are interested in advocating for children and families and making a difference in the state of Arizona...check us out~

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