TIDE’s ORGANIZATION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN (TOYC)
What is TOYC?
Tide’s Organization for Young Children (TOYC) is a student professional organization that supports undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and community members interested in the education and well-being of young children.
Purpose
TOYC aims to:
- Increase awareness of the needs of young children.
- Keep members informed about current legislation, policies, and trends affecting young children at local, state, and national levels.
- Promote professional growth and development.
- Connect members with professionals in the field of early childhood education.
Benefits of Membership
Members have opportunities to:
- Network with professionals and peers in early childhood education and related fields.
- Learn about important topics such as education policy, professional organizations (e.g., NAEYC), and career readiness.
- Build professional relationships and expand their professional network.
- Participate in community service, philanthropic activities, and professional development events throughout the academic year.
Meetings
- When: First Tuesday of every month
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Judy Bonner Child Development Center (JBCDC) or another campus location
Membership
Students in any major can join. Those interested in joining can contact the organization’s faculty advisors:
Dr. Kimberly Blitch – kablitch@ua.edu
Mrs. Michelle Darabaris – mcdarabaris@ches.ua.edu
Links
The following links may be of interest to those working with or for young children:
NAEYC
NACA (National Association of Child Advocates)
Children’s Defense Fund
NCCP (National Center for Children in Poverty)
Child Trends
Early Childhood Research and Practice (internet journal)
Child Care Exchange
U.S. Department of Education
Alabama Department of Human Resources
U.S. Department of Education
Week of the Young Child
Early Childhood News
Center on the Developing Child
All About Young Children Zero to Three
North American Reggio Emilia Alliance
Professional Licensure
ASSOCIATION OF CHILD LIFE
What is ACL?
The Association of Child Life (ACL) is a student professional organization. ACL is the student organization for students interested in learning more about working with children of all ages in the medical settings. The goal of this group is to provide philanthropic activities for the pediatric population while further learning about how to care for the psychosocial care of hospitalized children.
Why should I join?
*Meet professionals in your field
*Meet other UA students in your field
*Learn about the many different dimensions of the child life major
*Get involved in campus, community, and national pediatric philanthropic activities
*Learn about current trends in child life
Membership
Membership into ACL is open to any student interested in working with children and families particularly in the medical setting. There is an annual $10.00 membership fee. To become a member, attend the next monthly meeting and ask about becoming a member. You will simply need to fill out a membership information form and pay the annual membership fee. Forms may be submitted at the ACL meeting or to the faculty sponsor listed below. (Association of Child Life application)
Contact Information
To learn more information about becoming a member of the Association of Child Life contact:
Dr. Sherwood Burns-Nader
(205) 348-6269
sburns@ches.ua.edu
Links
The following link is for those interested in learning more about the field of child life:
www.childlife.org