December 3, 2025 / News & Blog
What does it take to give every child a strong start in life? According to Michelle Kang, CEO of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), it takes a shared commitment to quality, collaboration, and compassion—from educators, parents, policymakers, and community organizations alike.
In her recent conversation with Arthur Affleck, President and CEO of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), Michelle shares a powerful vision for how early learning can shape not just individual lives, but entire communities. Together, they explore what “high-quality early learning” really means, how to support the professionals who make it possible, and why museums play a vital role in helping children discover the joy of learning.
When Michelle talks about “high-quality early learning,” she doesn’t just mean colorful classrooms or engaging lesson plans. She means something much deeper: safe, nurturing environments where children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development can thrive.
“High quality means programs that promote children’s wellbeing through well-prepared educators, low teacher-to-child ratios, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and meaningful family engagement,” Michelle explains.
NAEYC’s mission is to make that level of quality the norm, not the exception. Through program and higher education accreditation, professional development, and advocacy, NAEYC provides educators and families with tools to define, recognize, and pursue excellence. Accreditation, Michelle notes, is more than a credential—it’s a signal of trust.
“Accreditation tells families, educators, and policymakers that a program prioritizes excellence and continuous improvement,” she says. “Only six percent of programs nationwide meet those standards, but many more are on the journey to get there.”
And now, that journey extends into new learning environments—including children’s museums. Michelle shares that NAEYC recently accredited its first early learning program housed within a children’s museum, affirming that quality learning can happen in any setting where children are free to explore and play.
Arthur and Michelle discuss one of NAEYC’s greatest strengths: connecting research, practice, and policy into a cohesive framework that drives real-world change.
Michelle points to Vermont as an example, where policymakers, educators, parents, and advocates worked together to create a state-funded childcare system that supports both families and professionals. “That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident,” she says. “It takes evidence from research, advocacy from the field, and professionals who know how to put those ideas into practice.”
This collaborative model reflects the same ecosystem approach that ACM promotes through its members. Just as children’s museums act as connectors in their communities—linking families, educators, and local organizations—NAEYC works to unite the systems that shape children’s earliest experiences.
“Every community deserves the structures that make high-quality learning possible,” Michelle emphasizes. “When those pieces come together, children, families, and educators all benefit.”
At the heart of NAEYC’s work is the concept of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), a research-based framework for meeting each child where they are.
DAP, Michelle explains, means making learning age-appropriate, individualized, and culturally responsive. “It’s about recognizing that every child is unique, and that the environment we create should honor that uniqueness,” she says.
She illustrates this with a personal story: her oldest son, who lives on the autism spectrum, experiences the world differently from her other children. His learning environment had to reflect that difference—not by lowering expectations, but by recognizing his individual strengths and needs.
“When I think about developmentally appropriate practice,” she says, “I think about environments that not only accommodate differences but celebrate them.”
Arthur agrees, noting how critical it is for educators—and museums—to design experiences that embrace all learners. “We’ve got to find ways to connect with children wherever they are,” he says, “through whichever lens they see the world.”
Michelle offers a compelling reminder: children are born ready to learn. From birth, their brains are building the architecture that shapes how they think, feel, and interact for the rest of their lives.
“The majority of a child’s brain development happens in those first few years,” she explains. “If we wait until kindergarten to start engaging children, we lose vital opportunities to support their growth.”
Arthur echoes her point, highlighting how early experiences form the foundation for success in school and life. “If you don’t develop curiosity, language, and social-emotional skills early, you’re already behind when you reach third grade,” he says. “That’s why early learning matters for everyone.”
Despite widespread recognition of its importance, early childhood education faces serious challenges. Staffing shortages, low wages, and inconsistent public investment threaten the sustainability of programs across the country.
During the pandemic, Michelle recalls, early childhood educators were finally recognized as essential workers. But that recognition has faded. “Early educators are the backbone of our economy,” she says. “Without childcare, our economy doesn’t function. Parents can’t work, and communities can’t thrive.”
She argues that funding early learning is not a partisan issue—it’s an economic and moral one. “There’s a reason for everyone to support high-quality early learning,” she says. “This is about ensuring families can work, children can learn, and businesses can grow.”
That’s why NAEYC continues to advocate for federal investment in early education and fair compensation for the workforce. “We must treat early childhood educators as the professionals they are,” she adds.
When it comes to advocacy, Michelle believes parents have one of the strongest voices. “Parents can share how access to quality early learning impacts their lives,” she says. “They are powerful storytellers, and policymakers need to hear those stories.”
Parents also play a vital role in shaping the kind of world their children inherit. “Children need to be loved, accepted, and supported,” she says. “If that love compels you, use your voice to protect and nurture early childhood in your community—whether that’s through a school, a childcare program, or your local children’s museum.”
Michelle’s connection to children’s museums runs deep. As a young mother living in Boston, she remembers the Boston Children’s Museum as a sanctuary for her family.
“Watching my toddler play and explore was such a gift,” she recalls. “The museum was one of the few places where my son, who struggled with sensory sensitivities, could learn and be joyful in an environment that felt safe and inclusive.”
Now, as a board member of the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C., she brings that personal experience full circle. “Children’s museums are essential,” she says. “They’re places of discovery and community that help families connect through play and learning. They make the abstract concepts of early education tangible.”
Arthur agrees, calling children’s museums “anchor institutions” that extend the mission of early childhood education into the public sphere.
In closing, Michelle offers an inspiring message for educators and leaders who may feel discouraged by the challenges they face.
“The work that happens in early childhood is nothing short of magical,” she says. “Every day, educators are shaping brain architecture and nurturing young minds. They are doing transformational work. You belong at the table. Your expertise is needed and valued.”
Her words reflect the shared purpose of ACM and NAEYC—to create a world where every child has access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and joyful learning experiences.
Arthur sums it up best: “We can change the world one child at a time. And while there are big problems out there, there’s so much we can do for the children in our care right now.”
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This blog only scratches the surface of Michelle Kang’s insights. To hear the full discussion—including her reflections on equity, advocacy, leadership, and the power of community partnerships—we invite you to listen to the complete podcast episode:
🎧 Listen to the ACM Podcast featuring Michelle Kang, CEO of NAEYC
Empowering Young Minds, the Association of Children’s Museum Podcast is available on all major listening platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music!
