A Jefferson resident is serving with a national level entity that impacts youngsters and education.

Amy McGinn was recently announced as part of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Advisory Council. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio this is an advisory body that works with the governing board and staff of NAEYC. McGinn points out NAEYC supports all affiliates and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion, and belonging practices across the country. McGinn talks about what their group is focused on for this year.

“We’re working on keeping the language and the vocabulary respectful to gender diverse communities, including transgender and non-binary individuals. We’re trying to update everything so that we’re a more inclusive organization.”   

McGinn previously served as the president of the West Central Iowa chapter of NAEYC but has never served on the national level before. She describes what she is looking forward to the most with this national organization.

“I’m just so excited to be part of the transformational changes that are taking place within NAEYC and the affiliates, and using my voice to lift up other people’s voices. I think here in rural Iowa, educators tend to get a little bit overlooked because we’re not in the big city and so we’re not always on the national stage, and I’m really hoping I can change some of that.”

McGinn has been involved in early childhood education for 17 years professionally and has a masters degree in early childhood education. She also works with children and families with disabilities in seven Iowa counties.