Board of Directors

President

Dear Members of FLAEYC,

I am deeply honored to step into the role of FLAEYC President and to serve alongside you in ensuring every child has access to high-quality early education and every early childhood professional is respected, skilled, supported, and equitably compensated. My passion for this field is deeply personal, shaped by the profound impact childcare had on my own family and my experiences as an educator.

Growing up, I witnessed the immeasurable gratitude my parents felt as they left for work, knowing I was in the safe and nurturing environment of an exceptional childcare center in Miami, Fl. The unwavering support of this program left an indelible mark on my heart, inspiring me to dedicate my life to working with young children and making a meaningful contribution to this vital field. Like many of the families we serve, my parents were able to learn a new language, pursue their education, and build a better future for our family—all thanks to the care and guidance provided by this program.

As I step into this role, I want to express my deep gratitude to the past presidents and our dedicated FLAEYC staff who paved the way for our progress. Their vision, commitment and tireless efforts inspire me to lead with purpose and to continue supporting the growth of our future leaders.

In many ways, our journeys in Early Learning mirror the resilience we nurture in young children—taking small steps, falling often, but always finding the courage to rise and try again. Over time, those steps grow into walking, jumping, and running—sometimes forward, sometimes backward, but always moving. This resilience reflects the growth, perseverance, and determination that lie at the heart of our work.

As we look ahead, I want to recognize the leadership each of you brings to this profession. Whether you work directly with children, support families, advocate for resources, or are new to the field of early childhood education, every member of FLAEYC is a leader making a meaningful impact. Your work strengthens communities and creates opportunities for growth and success that will echo for generations.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to make our voices heard. I urge you to stay engaged, get involved, and help shape the future of early childhood education. Whether through advocacy, mentorship, or sharing your experiences, every action counts. Together, we can ensure every child has access to high-quality early education, and every early childhood professional is respected, skilled, supported, and equitably compensated.

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With gratitude and determination,

Norma Schwartz