You’re Invited: NAGC Early Childhood Task Force Community Conversation, October 28, 4 p.m. ET

Posted By Nancy Hertzog & Catherine Little

Early experiences matter! We know the preschool and early school years tremendously influence later life outcomes. We also know there are many unresolved questions about how best to support and provide access to advanced learning experiences for children who need them in the early years. As educators, policy makers, and caregivers . . .

• How do we promote the image of the child as a competent and curious learner?
• How do we assess students’ strengths and talent areas in the early years?
• How do we match instructional needs with asynchronous development?
• How do we create socially just and equitable access to enriched and engaging learning opportunities in the early years?
• How do we build learning environments that promote inquiry and exploration?
• How do we successfully create school/family/community partnerships to promote optimal growth in all students?

Please join us by registering for NAGC’s Early Childhood Task Force Community Conversation on early childhood gifted education at 4 p.m. ET on October 28. Topics will include areas of alignment and tension between standards, policies, and practices in the early childhood and gifted education fields. We hope these conversations will bring people from the two fields together to collaborate on thinking about effective practices that challenge learners in all early childhood environments. 

We are interested in your input on what is happening and what perhaps should be happening, as well as ways NAGC can support young learners and their families and educators. During the Community Conversation, after a brief overview of the work of the NAGC Early Childhood Task Force, we will invite participants into breakout rooms to share their thoughts and experiences on questions such as these:

• What is happening in your context in relation to serving advanced young learners?
• What do you see as the most pressing concerns and the most important practices to employ?
• What would you like to see from NAGC?

The NAGC Early Childhood Task Force was established in June 2024. The charge from the NAGC Board of Directors is as follows: 

The Early Childhood Task Force (ECTF) is established as a time-limited group with the primary objective of providing the NAGC Board of Directors with an overview of key questions and options for supporting advanced development and talent in the early childhood years. The ECTF will address questions pertaining to areas of alignment and points of tension between the gifted education and early childhood fields; the needs of educators and caregivers who support advanced ability/talent development with this population; and sources of information for describing effective practices.

The Community Conversation is a first step to seek input and expertise regarding early childhood gifted education. The Task Force will also be hosting a Signature Session at NAGC 2024 entitled, “NAGC’s Early Childhood Task Force: Supporting Effective Practice in the Early Years,” at 11:15 AM on Friday, November 22, in Seattle. We will also be sending out a survey seeking input from those who are unable to join us for those events.

Anticipated outcomes of the Task Force work may include the following:

• Recommendations for a revised Early Childhood Position Statement
• Questions for NAGC (Board and others) to consider regarding the degree to which NAGC standards do (or do not) reflect a developmental perspective
• Additional recommendations regarding actions the Board might consider for NAGC, including developing relationships with early childhood organizations, professional learning and outreach options, and avenues for further consideration of areas of tension.

Members of the Early Childhood Task Force include:

• Co-Chairs: Catherine Little, Nancy Hertzog
• Members: Megan Parker Peters, Kimberly Myles, Alicia Schroeder-Schock, Aimee Sulit, Kisha McCray, Kelly Kearney, Jennifer Williams
• NAGC Staff Liaison: Lacy Compton

We hope you’ll plan to join us October 28 at 4 p.m. ET for the Early Childhood Task Force Community Conversation!