  History
Founded in 1940’s
Established in the 1940’s as the Portland Association for Nursery Education
(PANE). Under the guidance of 1947 President Elizabeth H. Wright, PANE attracted
teachers, childcare workers, pediatric nurses, and others interested in the
development of young children. The membership fee was a mere $2 per year. In
1958, the Oregon groups unified as Oregon Association for Nursery Education
(OANE), affiliating with the National ANE as well. With a larger membership
base, OANE became more active. It voiced its opinions and concerns in legislature,
meeting with the Governor’s Committee and lobbying for more preschool
regulation. The biannual conferences still held today began in those early
years and attracted as many as 120 people at a time.
A New Name
In 1966, after a nationwide reorganization process, OANE became the OAEYC.
It received its Articles of Incorporation in 1970 and nonprofit status in
1971. With 255 members, more than double the number of ten years before,
the association focused on professionalism and visibility. Taking a stronger
stand in public policy, OAEYC successfully lobbied for an early childhood
education endorsement on elementary education certificates.
Activism of the 1990’s
OAEYC reached both internally and externally in the 1990’s. A new Diversity/Equity
Committee supported a movement towards anti-bias practices. Diversity Leadership
Institutes were held to train members, increasing their awareness of culturally
sensitive issues. OAEYC joined the Worthy Wage Coalition in 1993, working to
require fair compensation for child care workers. This drive for higher wages
was coupled with efforts to increase credibility and visibility, and OAEYC
took a bigger interest in advocacy. With strong support from groups such as
OAEYC, the Oregon legislature passed two packages affecting early education:
a statewide career development system to address wages and training for early
education teachers, and the “Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century.” In
1997 a twelve-bill legislative package calling for higher standards in all
aspects of childcare was passed.
Today’s Services
Today, Oregon AEYC has over 1300 members, 12 local chapters, a budget over
$200,000, and three to four part-time employees in an office established in
1996. Merrily Haas, who has been active with association for more than thirty
years, serves as Executive Director. OAEYC continues to offer newsletters,
a library of over 175 educational videos, a lending library of books, and access
to the numerous workshops and educational opportunities. OAEYC sponsors the
annual “Week of the Young Child” each Spring. It presents conferences
and small teaching sessions throughout Oregon. OAEYC remains committed to supporting
those who work for the education and needs of children from birth to age eight.
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