Why Should I Join COEC?

The COEC develops policy and clinical guidance for the optimal care for very young children (0-8 years of age). View a complete listing of COEC policies and guidelines here.

The COEC advocates for early childhood issues at the federal and state levels, working to support federal and state legislation and regulations that benefit young children. This includes advocating for early literacy programs, Child Care Development Block Grant Funding, Preschool Development Grant - Birth through Five Renewal Grant funding, maternal depression screening, and connections between positive parenting programs and the Family First Act.

Early Childhood Chapter Champions

Early Literacy Committee
Connect with others interested in early literacy including Reach Out and Read members with ongoing activities in the areas of literacy promotion, advocacy and research.

Early Childhood Research Network
Connect and collaborate with researchers conducting early childhood related research via Web-based seminars and at the AAP National Conference.

Early Care and Education Committee
The committee's objective is to enrich early care and education environments for children and families by advocating for early childhood brain development, including cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioral development. Committee members are encouraged to volunteer as reviewers for early care and education materials and share their expertise in the field.

Member Education Committee
This committee is dedicated to providing valuable educational content to COEC members. This is achieved through formal programming, including the National Conference and Exhibition's programming and co-sponsored sessions. Additionally, signature events such as webinars allow for the dissemination of the Council's expertise.

Policy (Peer Review) Committee
The AAP's policy statements, technical reports, and clinical reports hold significant influence in pediatrics and beyond. The Committee on Early Childhood (COEC) reviews and coordinates these statements, and aids in the identification of authors and provision of training. Prior expertise is not a prerequisite, and the time commitment varies based on individual preferences.

Relationship Committee
The Relationship Committee's aim is to expand member outreach, provide engagement opportunities, and ensure the professional development of members interested in early childhood, early education, childcare, and infant mental health. The committee strives to generate enthusiasm for early childhood work, encourage member involvement, and connect with new members.

Infant Mental Health Special Interest Group
Connecting pediatricians interested in infant mental health by fostering relationships, cultivating professional connections, and sharing expertise to promote healthy mental development from prenatal stages to early childhood.

The Council on Early Childhood provides educational resources on early childhood topics of interest to ALL health professionals and community partners. Examples of educational topics include the Convention on the Rights of Children, infant and toddler mental health, and early relational health.

The Council hosts the annual "H" educational program on topics of interest to Council members at the AAP National Conference. The educational session is open to all and we welcome attendees to join us for any part of the session, which includes early childhood abstract & research presentations, an educational program, and a chance to network The COEC also sponsors and co-sponsors educational sessions annually.

Early Childhood Research Network
Connect and collaborate with researchers conducting early childhood related research via Web-based seminars and at the AAP National Conference.

Abstract Program (AAP National Conference & Exhibition)
The COEC accepts abstracts for poster presentations that highlight successful approaches to promoting optimal early brain and child development, the impact of early education and child care, parenting and early screening and other early childhood topics. Both research and program abstracts are accepted. The COEC recognizes two abstracts as oral presentations and awards certificates to the Best Poster presentation and the Best Poster Presentation from a Trainee at the discretion of the abstract review committee.

The Dr Susan S. Aronson Early Education and Child Care Advocacy Award, established in 2004, recognizes a health care professional who has made a significant contribution to improve quality of care for children in early education and child care settings (all aspects, including health, safety, social-emotional, developmental, and educational. This award is presented annually at the COEC educational program during the AAP National Conference.

The COEC provides additional opportunities to connect with other like-minded individuals; share resources, program activities, and best practices; engage in learning and professional growth opportunities.

• COEC Member newsletter - Learn from and contribute to the newsletter which includes Council updates, early childhood related opportunities and activities, helpful resources and new research.
• COEC Members only website (collaboration space) – Access and contribute to website content including Council announcements, access to portals for the other subcommittees, and archived newsletters and key resources and trainings.
• COEC listserv – Stay connected and ask questions among other members
• Early Childhood Champion newsletter - Learn about early childhood resources, partners to know, and share promising activities
• Timely updates from COEC Federal and State Advocacy staff contacts