Operating an Episcopal early childhood program often requires collaboration between many constituencies with distinct but overlapping priorities—program directors, rectors, vestries, wardens, boards, parents, teachers—in addition to providing critical education during our students’ most formative years. While all of that is not easy, being a member of NAES can help you gain clarity and stability amid the complexity of operating a preschool.
We do this in a few key ways for early childhood programs:
- Grants from the Ann Mellow Fund for Professional Development, to assist early childhood educators in Episcopal schools with professional development opportunities.
- 1-on-1 consulting, either by phone or on-site, to help assess your program’s operational strengths and challenges on topics such as governance, church–school relations, the roles of the vestry and board, space-usage, and more.
- Annual NAES benchmarking surveys for early childhood programs, to help you make decisions about hiring, programs, and operations. These surveys are tailored specifically for Episcopal preschools.
- Regular early childhood Zoom chats with NAES and other Episcopal preschool leaders.
- Access to the early childhood topic on the NAES Online Community, where you can connect directly with your peers.
- Frequent free webinars on topics relevant to the operations of an Episcopal preschool, including governance and collaboration between church and school.
- Access to early childhood-specific items in the NAES resource library.
In addition to all the member services listed on this page.
As an early childhood educator, NAES has been an excellent source of both community and professional development. The connections I made at Biennial Conference have continued to enrich my work and deepen my sense of purpose.
What a blessing NAES is! Our weekly early childhood chats have been a wonderful source of support and inspiration. In November, I had the opportunity to attend NAES Biennial Conference with my teaching staff. What great early childhood workshops—such awesome professional development and tons of fun!
NAES fosters association, unity, and communion, providing valuable resources and thoughtful guidance. Our membership unites us together with Episcopal schools across the nation, underscoring a common purpose and mission, grounded in gospel love and building Beloved Community.
NAES helps imbue our community with a deeper Episcopal identity, grounding our mission in values, service, and respect. Their resources and fellowship have meaningfully shaped our school culture and supported our journey as an Episcopal institution.
Let’s Talk About Membership
Would you like to have a conversation about membership? Contact Claire Leheny, Interim NAES Engagement Manager, by calling (212) 716-6135 or by emailing claire@episcopalschools.org.
Whether you are a non-member curious about joining, or a member seeking to get the most out of your NAES membership, we can’t wait to hear from you!
Key Reasons to Join
NAES offers tools and resources that make an immediate impact, including a self-study on Episcopal identity, a Culture & Climate Survey with dynamic dashboards, a set of best practices for Episcopal schools, and detailed research projects—such as a study on leaders of color and the state of Episcopal school chaplaincy.
NAES is the only national network that understands what makes your school culture unique. Access resources to help your staff understand Episcopal identity and develop language to clearly communicate your mission to prospective families and faculty.
Episcopal schools are stronger together. Connect with colleagues nationwide through the NAES Online Community and find support when you need it. Access a wide variety of approaches and insights from across the Episcopal school community.
Support your school through programs such as NAES grants and the Episcopal Urban School Alliance. List a position in the NAES career center and reach literally thousands of prospective employees each month.
Whether independent or parish-sponsored, Episcopal schools face governance challenges few others understand. NAES helps align boards, vestries, rectors, and heads around a common purpose: serving our students.
NAES bridges the gap between church and school, meeting the unique needs of chaplains often underserved elsewhere. Member schools have access to mentoring for new chaplains, retreats, support networks, webinars, and conferences focused on school ministry.
Don’t wait for a crisis. Work with NAES consultants early to strengthen governance and balance the needs of boards, vestries, rectors, heads, and other stakeholders.
Whatever your mission, NAES offers resources and consulting to help launch and keep your Episcopal school strong. Exploratory committees discerning the call to start a school enjoy special reduced membership rates.